The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Ms Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, MPL, has intervened into water crisis that saw markers and assistants not having a water supply as a result of drought at James Nxumalo High School marking centre at Ulundi in the Zululand District.
KwaZulu-Natal is one of the provinces that are badly affected by severe drought leading to reduced water supply in some parts of the province such as Zululand District.
The Education Department is however pleased to report that so far the marking of papers is continuing smoothly at all the centres across the province.
MEC Nkonyeni learnt that markers and assistants working at the marking centre had no water and immediately intervened. Yesterday, MEC Nkonyeni visited the centre with an intention of making sure the problem was solved.
Her arrival at the centre saw the situation being turned around, leading to a smooth running of all the processes.
"The situation was such that it posed a health risk for our markers. Our swift reaction to the situation assisted a lot. We are delighted to see that all our markers and assistants are now happy and continuing with the marking of papers which is very important", MEC Nkonyeni said.
Whilst the marking is taking place, the Department has teams that monitor all the centres across the province, making sure that everything is done accordingly.
KwaZulu-Natal had a total number of 201 141 who registered for the National Senior Certificate examinations and out of this figure, 171 820 were full time candidates whilst 29321 were part time candidates. This province also saw an increase of 16, 2% in the entries for 2015.
MEC Nkonyeni together with the senior management of the department will continue monitoring the marking which is expected to be finished on 14th December 2015.
For more information, please call:
Muzi Mahlambi
Cell: 082 519 1420
Sihle Mlotshwa
Cell: 072 207 2018
Sicelo Khuzwayo
Cell: 072 429 6515
