Statement by Limpopo MEC for Education Ishmael Kgetjepe on the state of the 2015 school examinations, Polokwane
Acting HoD,
Members of the media,
Good morning.
We have convened this media briefing specifically to bring members of the media up to speed with the current status of examinations that are underway across the province. It is our firm view and expressed conviction that examinations must be run in a credible and impeccable manner as anything else to the contrary compromises the whole process and the hard work that teachers and learners have been doing throughout the year to the cusp of sitting for examinations.
This is a view that we subscribe to year in and year out and this year is no different. We place premium value on how we conduct and run this important programme of the Department.
We are happy that our grade 12 examinations which commenced on the 26 of October are proceeding smoothly without any crippling glitches and where there have been unforeseen hiccups; we were able to address those in time as per the nature of the challenge.
The grade 12 examinations which at the time of calling this press briefing are running normal, were followed with the commencement of grade 10 and 11 examinations which are internally run and administered, meaning we draw the time tables and set the questions papers.
Sadly, we had numerous reports to the fact that these particular examinations have been postponed. To our knowledge examinations for these grades started on 26 October and are scheduled to end on the 30 November 2015.
It must be understood that rescheduling of internally run examinations is not something unusual or unheard of. To that effect, we have within this period rescheduled subjects too deal with the challenges affecting schools to tighten our preparations and strengthen our logistical support in order to ensure the smooth running of the examinations.
We must however acknowledge that there were logistical challenges here and there with regard to internal arrangements at schools which only warranted the shifting around of subjects but never affected the period set for examinations. We must indicate here and now that we are on course and we have done everything that warranted doing to stabilize and we shall continue to do so till the end of the 2015 examinations.
We appeal to our districts to facilitate the internal grade 1 to 9 examinations which are also set to commence in earnest today in some districts to run efficiently and effectively. We also want to make an appeal to all stakeholders to continue supporting our learners throughout the examination period.
Education should remain a societal matter that it is and the involvement of all the stakeholders is critical. We cannot overemphasize the importance of parents, teachers and the community at large in the education of our future leaders. We can achieve a lot more if we work together.
I thank you very much for making time to be with us today.
