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21 October 2008

We will deliver quality examinations to Gauteng

5 October 2008 was International Teachers Day which was celebrated around the world and I want to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers who still uphold this noble profession in high esteem. These are the same teachers who have been responsible throughout the year to prepare our matriculants for the upcoming exams.

This year, we welcome 106 109 candidates of which 929 are part-time. This year's examinations are of great significance as it would the first final exit examination for the new curriculum. The results will be the fruits of the National Curriculum Statement that started with Grade 10 in 2006. Also of importance is that all the question papers will be set nationally and will be written in all provinces at the same time from Limpopo to Lusikisiki to Orange Farm.

In preparing our learners for this examination, extensive intervention programmes were implemented and monitored by our districts. Extra tuition was provided through afternoon classes, Saturday schools, schools camps and the media.

The exam starts officially on 29 October and finishes off on 3 December 2008 and will be conducted in 721 centres across the province. Marking will commence on 15 November and is expected to be completed by 10 December and is staggered in eight sessions. An approximately 1,3 million scripts will be attended to by 7 095 markers who have already been appointed. We have attached the exams timetables in your packs. The results are expected to be announced before the end of the year.

The security of the exams again is of utmost importance to us. We have been working very closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that from our printing facilities to our district storage everything is tight and that we comply with the guidelines as set by the national Department of Education.

Once again our hotline number is operational and the public can call us to report on any suspected acts of irregularities.

The number is 011 355 0592

I also want to emphasise on the conduct of both parents and learners during the exams time. The success of the learners is a collective effort. Let's give our learners support and not put pressure on them to do the abnormal. The many social problems and conduct of learners that we experience during this period can be attributed to family and societal pressure that our learners are confronted with on a daily basis so let us go soft on them and give them space.

To learners;
* no exchange of information
* no cellphones in the exam room
* no crib notes
* no copying from one another
* no bags in the exam room.

These are little silly things that can compromise you after long hours of hard work. Do not be tempted!

Let me thank the educators for the hard work that they put in preparing our young citizens for these exams, the examinations and assessment directorate headed by Mr Prem Govender, the districts and all managers in the department in their different responsibilities on the work that they have done in preparation for the 2008 matric exams. We are confident that our system, procedures and the processes are in place to conduct a successful National Senior Certificate Exams

Good luck to the class of 2008!

Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
21 October 2008
Source: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za)