The National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams are set to commence on Monday, October 21, 2024, with the Department of Basic Education confident in its readiness to manage this significant event. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, addressed the media, assuring that all preparations are complete, ensuring a smooth start for the learners. The exams represent a massive undertaking, with 727,121 full-time learners and 155,215 part-time candidates participating. As the department gears up for this nationwide challenge, all eyes are on the seamless coordination of this critical phase in South Africa’s education calendar.
he 2024 NSC exams mark a notable increase in the number of full-time candidates, which has grown by approximately 40,000 compared to previous years. Meanwhile, part-time candidates have decreased by about 30,000, a trend that might be attributed to the option of writing the exams in June, offering greater flexibility for these learners. Despite the shifts in candidate numbers, the department has emphasized its readiness for the task at hand, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
During her media briefing on Sunday, Minister Gwarube called on communities to support the smooth progression of the exams, urging them to avoid any disruptions, particularly protests that could hinder matriculants from accessing their examination centers. The Minister highlighted the importance of a peaceful environment to allow learners to perform at their best during this critical time.
Among the 882,336 learners registered for the exams, the majority will be writing the government-administered papers. Additionally, there are 16,400 candidates registered under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and 5,820 learners under the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI). The exams also include around 18,000 learners from independent schools who will write the state-administered examination papers. Regardless of the examination body, all papers are moderated and approved by Umalusi, the quality assurance authority for further education in South Africa.
Once the final paper is written, focus will shift to the marking process. To ensure a smooth and efficient marking process, the Department has employed about 55,000 temporary staff members to serve as markers across 188 marking centers nationwide. Despite some concerns around a shortage of markers, particularly in subjects with multiple language papers like English and Afrikaans, Deputy Minister confirmed that the Department has implemented plans to stagger the marking process, minimizing potential delays.
The final announcement of the national results is scheduled for January 15, 2025, by Minister Gwarube, with individual results made available to learners the following day. As the NSC exams commence, the focus remains on creating a conducive environment for learners to excel, ensuring that the Class of 2024 can achieve their best possible outcomes.