Question NW2691 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
25 November 2020 - NW2691
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What was the outcome of the meeting that the Director-General of Basic Education had with teachers’ unions to discuss the invigilation of COVID-19 positive National Senior Certificate candidates; (2) what measures were agreed on regarding the invigilation of COVID-19 positive National Senior Certificate candidates; (3) whether her department has considered a contingency plan to allow students with COVID-19 to write exams at a later stage; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Regarding the invigilation of candidates that are tested positive, teachers are not be compelled to invigilate the examination at the isolation venue, where a candidate who has tested positive is writing. Teachers are fully briefed about the task to be performed; and if the teacher agrees to carry out the task, a written consent of the teacher is obtained.
2. Given that teachers are not compelled to invigilate, the Provincial Education Departments have appointed private invigilators who could be used to replace teachers who refuse to invigilate. However, private invigilators are fully briefed of the at hand, and their consent is obtained to perform this task.
3. Learners who will not be able to write the November 2020 examination due to their severe COVID-19 symptoms, will be allowed to write the May/June 2021 examination.