Johannesburg - The Gauteng Department of Education says preparations to hold the 2009 matric examinations are at an advanced stage.
A total of 101 218 full time and 8117 part time repeater candidates will be sitting for the Senior Certificate Examination in 790 centres across the province on 26 October 2009.
Gauteng MEC for Education Barbara Creecy announced on Sunday that the number of registered fulltime candidates was up by 2 234 from last year's total of 99 984.
She said this was due to an additional 1316 from the 10 Merafong schools being registered in Gauteng and a marginally improved flow through rate of learners.
Practical examinations for Computer Application Technology will start on 7 October 2009 and Information Technology on 9 October 2009.
"We are proud and confident to announce that we will deliver credible examinations to our Grade 12 learners in Gauteng," Creecy said.
The department has been working closely with South African Police Services to ensure tight security during the printing, storage and delivery of examination papers.
"Printing and packaging of question papers are at an advanced stage, schools will receive their question papers only on the morning when monitored, moderated and marks in these components are being captured.
"Processes have been put in place to ensure that all School Based Assessment marks are correctly submitted," she said, adding that a scanning process will be used to record mark sheets submitted so that a follow up on outstanding mark sheets can be monitored and addressed.
Creecy reminded learners that no information should be taken into the exam room including cellphones, talking in the exam room and copying from one another
She described these as the "silly things that can compromise your future after 12 years of hard work".
"Do not be tempted," warned Creecy.
