Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, commended the swift response of local officials in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga for averting a potential crisis in the administration of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Matric exams commenced on Monday, 21 October 2024, with English Paper 3, which will be written by the majority of the 2024 matric class. A total of 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates are registered for the exams.
Severe storms struck Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga on Sunday evening, causing extensive damage to school infrastructure and resulting in tragic loss of life. The storms, which brought torrential rain, damaged more than 30 schools, with over 10 high schools severely affected.
Four people lost their lives, and more than 40 others were treated at local hospitals.
The extensive damage to school infrastructure raised concern as it threatened to have an impact on the administration of the NSC exams. Despite the challenges brought as a result of the storm, Mhaule praised the quick actions taken by district officials, which allowed the matric exams to proceed as scheduled on Monday.
I would like to commend the swift action of the district officials, who averted a crisis by protecting the matric examinations, which went on as planned despite the damage.
Mhaule said classrooms for lower grades which were unaffected by the storm and were used for matric exams.
Additionally, we are truly grateful to our local churches who offered their buildings for exam purposes.
The heavy rain continued on Monday evening, causing further damage to homes in nearby villages, disrupting power supplies, and rendering some roads impassable.
An assessment of the full extent of the damage will be conducted, though efforts are likely to be hindered by ongoing inclement weather. Affected areas include Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale, and Maboke circuits.
DBE District Director for the area Lorraine Goba expressed her gratitude to district office officials who worked tirelessly to support the affected schools.
Dr Mhaule also urged community members to report any damage they encounter, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and stay updated on weather advisories from the South African Weather Services. The deputy education minister also extended the DBE’s condolences to affected families.
We extend our condolences to the families who lost loved ones and to those who suffered property loss due to this disaster.
The 2024 Matric results will be announced by Minister Gwarube on 15 January 2025, and will be available at exam centres the following day, 16 January 2025.
