State of Readiness for the Management of the 2013 Grade 12 Examinations: Upholding the Integrity of Examinations
and Improving Learner Performance

Head of Department, Mrs Mahlasedi Mhlabane
Members of Senior Management
Representatives from different media houses
Members of the Provincial Community who are listening on different radio stations
Sanibonani

Thank you very much for gracing this press conference.

We thought of convening this press briefing in this manner to appraise the entire province on the state of readiness for the management of the administration of the 2013 Grade 12 examinations.

This is to enable all our social partners and parents to play an active role in ensuring that a conducive environment is created for our learners to prepare themselves to freely participate in this important process that determines their future.

Mpumalanga has travelled an extensive journey in restoring the credibility and effective management of the Grade 12 examinations. Over the past three years the department was able to run incident free examination processes. We have denounced mediocrity, turned the corner and have opened a new chapter of excellence in everything that we do in keeping with the vision of the department (Accelerating Excellence in Education Delivery).

This was achieved through relentless collaborative efforts and support by various stakeholders. We will forever remain indebted to their patriotism. We are fully confident that this collaboration will always yield positive results. Working side by side with our community makes us feel much stronger to conquer every obstacle that may come our way.

We make our province and country proud because we are standing on the shoulders of the giants that continue to guide and to provide us with wisdom and support to face any situation with courage and determination to succeed.

We are also mindful of the public commitment we made to improve the Grade 12
results by 10% this year. We did not spare any effort but worked around the clock with our teachers and officials of the department to ensure that the province at least achieves an 80% pass rate in 2013.

We are aware that the target might appear to be ambitious, but we see it as a realistic and achievable objective judging by the amount of effort and work that was done this year. It would be gratifying if out of the 539 schools none would obtain a pass mark below 50% as we pronounced earlier this year.

The effort and support provided to all schools, in particularly the 89 schools which obtained results below 50% in 2012, make us to feel optimistic that we will realise our target.

Intervention programmes

Through our STARS programme, the department implemented a focused programme to support the underperforming schools to take them out of the woods (those that obtained results below 50% in 2012). These schools were subjected to monthly common assessments, winter and spring classes and they participated in the provincially set trial examinations.

They further received special support visits and with the support they enjoyed, they should be in a position to turn the corner. In addition, the department developed customised intervention programmes for municipalities where there were activities which had a potential to divert the focus of learners. (Like the essential traditional rituals that were predominantly held within the Nkangala district).

The implementation of the customised intervention programme for Dr JS Moroka and Bushbuckridge Municipalities is expected to yield positive results. Our collaboration with SABC stations and community radio stations led to the introduction of weekday radio lessons and other motivational sessions. The department re-established a dial-a-tutor programme through which learners were able to receive distance tutorial support. We have also witnessed schools convening weekend classes on their own to give support to the learners.

Community role

Our collective view is that more can still be done within the remaining 16 days before the start of the examinations for the Grade 12 learners. In this regard, I request parents and family members to give intensive practical support to all their children. Furthermore, learners must be encouraged to study relentlessly until the last day of the examinations.

They should be appreciative of the fact that they had to endure 12 years of dedication and commitment and are about to reap the fruits of their sacrifices. I also request our teachers to continue to give their full support to all the learners especially during this period. I encourage constant interaction between teachers and their learners so that matters that require clarity could be dealt with timeously. We also take this opportunity to request all religious formations to pray for the success of the learners and the department and the Provincial Moral Regeneration Movement to lead from the front in this regard.

State of readiness

A total of 58 517 part-time and full-time learners have registered to write the 2013 Grade 12 examinations. This number includes 51 206 full-time candidates and 7 311 part-time candidates.

Ehlanzeni District has registered the highest number of candidates followed by Nkangala District with Gert Sibande District having registered the least number, when you compare it with the rest of the districts in the province.

The table below presents the exact picture: 

In Appreciation: DG Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Head of Ikwekwezi FM and HOD Mrs Mahlasedi Mhlabane

The National Senior Certificate Examination will be written from 28 October to 29 November 2013. The department will finalise the training of the chief invigilators on 9 October 2013.

This weekend the department will convene an examination colloquium to consolidate preparations and to provide a platform for inputs from all stakeholders that will translate to credible examination process. The department appreciates the support received from the organised teaching profession on all our examination processes.

Admission letters for candidates (Time Tables) will be printed on normal A4 paper without stickers and will be handed to learners during the second week of October. There is an improvement in the identification of candidates’ scripts for this examination. The candidates will have individual stickers that will be pasted on the scripts so that invigilators can ensure that every script is accounted for. These stickers will contain personal particulars, the paper written and examination centre information.

All candidates will this year sign a pledge on 18 October 2013 to confirm that they will do everything in their capacity to learn and ensure irregularities-free examinations. I will visit a school in the Steve Tshwete Municipality namely Sozama Secondary school on this day to be part of this important exercise.

Our view is that this will concretise our learners to behave in accordance to the rules and regulations of the examination process and in turn irregularities will be avoided.

The pledge reads as follows:
National Senior Certificate Pledge

I…………………………………………………………., hereby solemnly pledge:

To do my best in the forthcoming examinations so that I could achieve the personal and academic goals I’ve set for myself. To, in the days remaining, focus on my studies and devote all my time to revise the work that I have covered during the course of the year and strengthen all the skills that I need to be successful in this examination.

I will also be supportive of my peers as we prepare in earnest for this examination. I will not be deterred by personal or other circumstances as I strive to achieve my National Senior Certificate qualification.

I pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in this examination by: Complying with all the rules and regulations relevant to the National Senior Certificate Examination.

I will follow the instructions of the invigilator during the writing of the examinations. I will not be influenced, in any way, to cheat in the examination. I will not participate in any wrongdoing which includes, but is not limited to: copying, being in possession of unauthorised material or electronic devices (example cell phone), accepting or providing assistance to another candidate, writing on behalf of another candidate or any other unauthorised action. I will report any form of wrongdoing that I am aware of to the authorities. I solemnly make these promises and acknowledge that it is binding on me without any undue influence upon my honour.

Sisonke Sifundzisa Sive

Marking will start from 29 November to 14 December 2013 in 18 marking venues. The security priority committee has been established in collaboration with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies. The exams security priority committee will focus on the comprehensive security of the examinations. Security will be strengthened in 2013 and all potential risks have been audited and mitigating steps are in place.

Potential natural disaster prone areas will be monitored and potential community instability will be checked. From our side we have planned in order to deliver a credible and incident free examination process and I request everyone in the province to join us in this regard. In so doing we will be extending our patriotic gesture.

Management of inquiries

The department takes this time to encourage communities to contact the Examination Help Desk which has been established to receive calls and address all examination related queries. This Help Desk number is (013) 766 0033/97 during office hours or email at b.marobe@education.mpu.gov.za or dmabunda@education.mpu.gov.za.

The public can also tweet us at @mpumalangaexams.

This will enable easy processing of queries and we trust that communities will use this platform to their best advantage.

Trauma Line

The department has resuscitated its psychological support programme to provide guidance to learners and teachers who may experience stressful situations during the examination process. Should parents and teachers observe new/unusual behaviour such as eating or sleeping disorders from their children/learners, they must not hesitate to contact the department Inclusive Education Directorate at 071 918 7988 alternatively the departmental toll free line 0800 203 116 during office hours or they can email us at p.mbatha@education.mpu.gov.za

Results

The results are going to be announced on the 7 January 2014 at Hayzyview Protea Hotel at 9h00. You will receive invitations to that effect. Best wishes to all Candidates. I take this time to extend my best wishes to all candidates who are going to sit for the 2013 examinations.

Please know that the province has your best interest at heart and everything will be done to ensure that you achieve to your best potential. We remain committed to even support you to further your studies by offering bursaries to those of you who wish to study at any university in the country including the University of Mpumalanga.

Use this time to your advantage and acknowledge the 12 year school journey which you had to go through. Grade 12 is but a first step towards achieving your goals and dreams, make the best of the opportunity at your disposal. On behalf of the provincial government, I wish you all the best in your endeavours.

Conclusion

Thank you once more for the opportunity, we are looking forward to deliver a credible examination process in the best interest of our learners. Sisonke sifundzisa sive.

Ngiyabonga.

Important contact numbers
Tel: 0800 203 116
Tel: 087 805 1350
Tel: 013 766 0033
E-mail: b.marobe@education.mpu.gov.za or dmabunda@education.mpu.gov.za
Twitter: #mpumalangaexams
Tel: 071 918 7988
E-mail: p.mbatha@education.mpu.gov.za www.mpumalanga.gov.za/education