The Minister of Basic Education (DBE) will release the final matric results on Friday, 19 January 2024. Almost one million individuals participated in the exams which took place at the end of 2023.
Concerns were sparked when the DBE confirmed that one of its exam courier was hijacked. However, they confirmed their was no question papers in the vehicle at the time.
There was one hijacking incident in the Eastern Cape, but fortunately, the vehicle did not have any question papers at the time.
Approximately 717,000 full-time candidates participated in the November 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. In addition to this 181,000 part-time candidates participated in the exams.
However, before candidates receive their results in January, more than 1.7 million scripts will have to be marked, moderated and checked. The marking of exam scripts will take place over the next few weeks.
More than 52,000 markers have been appointed by the DBE to mark NSC exam scripts. Marking will take place at 184 marking centres. The majority of the NSC exams have been written, with a few remaining.
10.2 million question papers have been successfully delivered to all examination centres. Accommodated all that have barriers to learning, including blind and sighted candidates with assistive devices, scribes, or readers.
The department commended all stakeholders for their work in ensuring the success of the matric exams. Some achievements include the successful delivery of 10.2 million question papers to schools around the country, rigorous security measures and high standards of invigilation.
High security and vigilance have been maintained at all points where question papers were stored or distributed.
They also acknowledge the support of educators and accommodations made for candidates with barriers to learning, including those with disabilities.
Matric Exam Challenges
The department admitted that there were several challenges during the exams. However, none of these challenges have compromised the integrity of results. Challenges include power outages, road closures, and late script returns, ensuring thorough investigations.
There were two cases of late return of scripts; a full investigation was conducted to ensure no tampering.
There was no leakage of exam papers.
Despite what some fake platforms may have indicated, we've had no leaked papers.
In cases where candidates fell ill during the exam, they were accommodated in separate venues and some wrote exams in a hospital. Impostor candidates were also identified by vigilant invigilators, and legal action will be taken against them.
