We can’t fail the class of 2020

The Matric class of 2020 cannot afford any further setbacks.

Already forced to find a way to complete their studies after a frustrating stop-start year, with online learning and rotational classes the norm due to Covid-19, news of problems with the marking of matric exam papers is concerning.

The deadline for the completion of marking is edging ever closer ahead of the release of the results on 22 February.

The first week of marking last week saw 170 assessors testing positive for the coronavirus. The majority of those were from the Eastern Cape. Many other markers had to pull out due to being in contact with people who were positive,  while others withdrew due to comorbidities, fear of the virus or bereavement.

“The planning of exams is like running a military establishment, like planning for a battlefield. They pay attention to detail and that is coming quite handy in making sure that people who withdrew from marking have now been  replaced,” said Education department Director-General Mathanzima Mweli.

Fighting Covid is a war. We need all the help, and luck, we can get. The class of 2020 is depending on it.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.