Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, announced that the five Grade 12 learners who experienced the extreme trauma of rape in the Eastern Cape will receive support.
The Department of Basic Education has prioritised psychosocial support to ensure these learners have access to counselling and trauma services. Gwarube emphasised that this matter is being treated as a priority at the cabinet level to ensure the criminal justice system responds swiftly.
Our priority right now is to make sure we support them in their recovery, giving them the space and assistance they need to heal
Police have questioned a person of interest in connection with the rape of the five Grade 12 pupils in Mqhekezweni village, outside Mthatha. Two balaclava-clad suspects reportedly attacked the pupils in a house they were renting and robbed them of their cell phones.
The provincial government has since provided the pupils with psychological support and a safe place to stay, enabling them to continue with their exams.
Matric Exam Update
Minister Gwarube reported that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams have generally proceeded well, with no major incidents affecting the majority of candidates. However, some challenges have arisen.
The Minister, along with Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr. Reginah Mhaule, provided updates on key developments in the basic education sector. This includes the progress of the 2024 matric exams, learner safety, and the presentation of the G20 report.
2024 Matric Exam Updates
Five schools in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape, were affected by a taxi strike; however, the Minister confirmed that learners were not prevented from writing their matric exams. All candidates from these schools were able to sit for their exams.
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
In Limpopo, the South African Police Service (SAPS) escorted learners to exam venues due to a community protest. Inclement weather also impacted exams in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, but contingency plans were implemented to ensure learners could proceed with their exams.
The Minister confirmed that one learner was arrested in connection with an armed robbery case. This student was taken into custody inside the exam venue and was unable to complete their paper.
Instances of academic misconduct were also noted, including crib notes and cell phones found at several exam venues. Additionally, there were two cases of imposters attempting to sit for matric exams on behalf of registered learners.
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
Minister Gwarube acknowledged that while disruptions can occur, the resilience of the system ensures they do not significantly impact the overall examination process.
Our operational systems have been designed to preempt and resolve challenges quickly
