Parliament, Friday, 27 October 2023 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education wishes the class of 2023 well for their upcoming final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Exams are set to officially start on Monday when learners are expected to write English.
A total of 723 971 full-time, 129 064 part-time and 53 217 progressed candidates will be writing the NSC examinations at 6 337 public schools and 552 independent centres. A total of 162 question papers have been set by expert subject panels appointed and managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Learners who encounter barriers to learning and have special education needs will be accommodated through the provision of adapted question papers in Braille, large print and audio.
Committee Chairperson Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said: “I would like to wish all candidates well with the upcoming final examinations. I urge them to continue working hard and to keep their focus where it’s needed. It is now the final push. Buckle down and give it your best shot. Keep working hard; the end of your schooling career is in sight.”
The examinations will conclude on 5 December 2023 and the 2023 NSC examination results will be announced by the Minister of Basic Education on 18 January 2024, with the provincial release of the results scheduled for a day later on 19 January 2024.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said the committee was briefed earlier by the DBE that it is all-systems-go for the examinations. The committee has also been briefed by the DBE and the Quality Assurance Council (Umalusi) that the national examination system is ready to administer the 2023 NSC examination.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba further called on all stakeholders in the education sector, parents, caregivers and families to be supportive of candidates during this stressful time. “It is a very strenuous time in their academic life – a culmination of 12 years of schooling leading to one final examination. We therefore call on parents, family, friends, educators, officials and the community at large to help create the best conditions and environment for these learners to study.”
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba emphasised: “The emotional and mental well-being of all students should not be forgotten during this stressful period. Please keep a watchful eye over them to ensure they are in a good place. “I want to also wish teachers, invigilators and markers the best of luck with the task ahead and to once again ensure credible NSC examinations,” said Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS BONGIWE MBINQO-GIGABA.
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