Question NW3695 to the Minister of Basic Education
28 November 2023 - NW3695
Moroatshehla, Mr PR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Considering that the release of the matric results for the 2022 academic year was delayed, thereby impacting higher education admissions and readiness for the 2023 academic year, what is the level of readiness for the finalisation of the marking process on time in 2023 to avoid the challenges of the 2022 academic year?
Reply:
The 2023 NSC examination results are scheduled to be released on 18 January 2024 by the Minister of Basic Education followed by the Provincial MECs and the release by schools to candidates on 19 January 2024.
The writing of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations commenced on 30th October 2023 and will conclude on 6th December 2023 and marking will take place from 7 December 2023 to 20 December 2023.
It needs to be noted that the release date for the 2022 NSC examination results was not delayed but this was the planned date for the release of the 2022 NSC examination results. The DBE had a meeting with Universities South Africa (USAf) regarding the release date and there was agreement on the later release date. The later release date is directly linked to the late commencement of the writing of the examination. The late commencement of the examination was prompted by the need to extend the time available for teaching and learning so that there could be full coverage of the curriculum, given the disadvantage that this class has endured given the disruptions due to COVID-19.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the nine Provincial Education Department have prepared adequately for the marking process and the final preparatory steps are currently being concluded. Markers have been appointed based on a strict adherence to the criteria articulated in the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM) and ensuring the necessary verifications at the school, district and provincial level. The 190 marking centres across the nine PEDs have been audited and the DBE can confirm that all the marking centres are ready for the marking process. The marking will commence as per schedule across the nine PEDs and will conclude on the scheduled date. While the marking process is in progress, the capture of marks will commence and will conclude on 23rd December 2023. All processes are in place for the standardisation of the results by Umalusi that will take place on 5th January 2024 so that the Umalusi Approval meeting can take place on 12th January 2024 and the final release of the results on 19th January 2024.
It needs to be reiterated that the 2022 NSC examination processes, in no way contributed to the challenges experienced by Higher Education Institutions in terms of admission of students to the various academic institutions. It is also important to note that the results data base is made available to Higher Education institutions prior to the official release of the results to learners, so that Higher Education Institutions can proceed with its selection processes.
The DBE as done in previous years will ensure strict adherence to its scheduled time frames and there will be no delays that will contribute to the challenges of Higher Education Institutions.