Mbombela - Despite exam leaks in lower grades in Mpumalanga, none have been reported in the Grade 12 exams.
On Wednesday, thousands of matrics across the province wrote Religion Studies - their final paper of the year.
"I wish to express my profound appreciation to everyone who made it possible that these examinations remain incident free and credible. This includes teachers, principals, parents and pastors who continued to pray and motivate all role players," said department MEC Reginah Mhaule on Thursday.
"I also wish to single out the security cluster and the South African Police Service in particular for the sterling work done, we remain indebted to them."
Department spokesman Jasper Zwane said the marking of papers started on Thursday at 18 marking centres and will continue until December 14.
"The department has appointed 4 092 officials to participate in the marking process. This number includes 95 chief markers, 62 deputy markers, 638 senior markers, 69 internal moderators and 3 228 markers," he said.
Meanwhile, Mhaule urged pupils to take care of themselves while waiting for their exams results.
"I request that the learners should refrain from engaging in activities that may be disastrous such as indulging in drugs and alcohol," said Mhaule. She said parents concerned about their children's behaviour were welcome to call the department's toll free line for post examination counselling.
The toll free number is 0800 203 116/0800 203 116. The department has also set up a help desk to clarify examination related queries. The number is 013 766-0033/013 766 0033. Emails may also be sent to dj.zwane@education.mpu.gov.za.
The results will be announced on 3 January2013 and the reports can be collected from the schools.
Meanwhile, nine people will apply for bail on Friday in connection with cheating on the Further Education and Training (FET) exams.
The nine, including campus manager of the Shepherd Academy in Emalahleni, Maesela Douglas Ntlhane, 27, and the academy's marketing manager, Jeffrey Mathula Sebola, 39, have not been asked to plead to charges of corruption yet.
It is believed that some of the suspects were writing exams on behalf of students who weren't even there. The academy is a private institution that offers FET courses. - SAnews.gov.za
