The Mpumalanga Department of Education is ready to ensure that the 2009 examinations commence and end without hassles. Plans are in place to ensure that the examinations unfold smoothly.
This is said after much improvement was recorded in the handling of candidate entries. Three preliminary schedules for candidates' registration were sent to schools for validation and to effect the requisite amendments on the system. The registration was closed on 30 September 2009. Only registered candidates shall write the examinations.
55 888 full time and 2 873 part time candidates are registered for National Curriculum Statement (NCS).
Printing of question papers has commenced and is progressing very well. All security measures have been intensified.
The examinations start on 26 October 2009 and ends on 04 December 2009. Marking will take place in seventeen (17) centres and capturing of marks will be done off-line at marking centres and on-line (web-based) at 4 cluster capturing centres. The Department will ensure that there is back- up data available to mitigate instances of loss of information or IT failure. 60 data on-line capturers have been appointed and training will be provided from 12 to 14 October 2009.
The capturing of School Based Assessment (SBA) marks will be done at Regions and will proceed from 15 October to 30 October 2009. Previously this task was centralized at Head Office and has been decentralized to expedite the process of SBA capturing, whilst being closely monitored centrally.
3942 Markers have been appointed. Final appointment letters for markers will be issued on 15 October 2009.
The results of 2009 the examinations will be released on 07 January 2010 as decided by the Council of Education Ministers (CEM).This will afford the Examinations administration more time to attend to all matters before the release of the results.
All stops have been pulled to ensure that learners get all the support they need to prepare themselves in line with the Departmental Learner Attainment Strategy.
The MEC for Education, Mrs. Reginah Mhaule, has extended her profound well wishes to all learners who will be sitting for the 2009 Examinations.
"These examinations add impetus to your dreams of a better life for you and those that are close to you. They require your unwavering zeal, commitment and willingness to succeed.
Through your hardwork and perseverance you have all managed to get this far, and will therefore need to put your minds to the crossing of the line.
Remember these wise words, "Procrastination is the thief of time," so you must all prepare for the war ahead.
May you all be blessed and know that South Africa and the world at large are with you every step of the way. All the best for the final year Examinations," the MEC concluded.
The Department urges all learners to maximally use the learning material at their disposal to make these exams a stepping stone towards greater opportunities that lie ahead. Learners must constantly engage with their subject teachers until the last day of the examinations.
Parents and communities are equally urged to provide conducive space and time for learners to focus on their studies.
Once more, best wishes go to all learners who will be writing their final examinations. Good luck! Class of 2009!
End
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Education
For inquiries contact:
Mr. Jasper I Zwane
083 743 1804
