• Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has given an update on how the matric exams have progressed
• The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations have entered their third week, but there have been some challenges they are facing
• A matriculant failed to complete his paper after police arrested him at the exam venue in connection with an armed robbery

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams are entering their third week, but it has not been without some challenges.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube held a press briefing in which he described how the examinations had progressed while providing key updates on other matters.

While the minister reached the BELA bill and the wave of food cases of poisoning, she also presented some interesting statistics.

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A student arrested on the spot

One of the most surprising statistics from the press briefing was that one trainee was arrested during his examination.

The minister confirmed that the student could not finish his exam as the police arrested him inside the exam venue.

He was arrested in connection with an armed robbery case.

Two arrested for impersonation of registered persons

Two impostors, who posed as other registered drivers, were also detected and arrested. The impostors were trying to take the exams in the name of the registered students.

Director General Hubert Mathanzima Mweli confirmed that if students were involved in irregularities, they would be suspended from sitting the exam for three years.

A small number of learners were also found with mobile phones and crib notes while writing their exams. These were confiscated and the students were given new answer books.

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Disruptive weather in some parts of the country, blackouts and even Taxi the protests also challenged the education department. They were resolved quickly, and matriculates were able to write the exams.

Gwarube requests the meeting with Godongwana

In a related article, News in brief reported that Gwarube asked for a meeting with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

She said the topic will be discussing the budget cuts the Department of Education is currently experiencing.

Teaching positions in Western Cape they are under threat because the education department doesn’t have the budget for it.

Source: News in brief