ESTCOURT KZN: Covid-19 crisis at matric marking centres grows

Fears for the lives of family and friends of matric markers are increasing after a recent inspection revealed that 35 out of 380 matric markers at an exam centre in Estcourt tested positive for Covid-19.

This was revealed by Dr Imran Keeka, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) after he visited the exam marking centre on January 13.

This was prompted after a matric marker based at Estcourt High School died on January 8, after testing positive for Covid-19.

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“It later transpired that the marker had arrived at the centre already with an infection,” said spokesperson for the KZN Health Department Lennox Mabaso.

At the time nine other markers were quarantined.

However, the number of positive cases has increased as evidenced by Dr Keeka during his visit to the marking centre.

“We call on the province’s Department of Education (DoE) to ensure that all matric markers undergo Covid-19 testing prior to leaving exam marking centres and being reunited with family and friends. This comes after inspections of several venues, conducted earlier this week by KZN’s education portfolio committee, which have revealed, amongst others, that 35 out of 380 educators at the Estcourt marking facility tested positive. The shock figure comes as teachers are expected to conclude the marking process early next week and return home,” commented Dr Keeka.

He also criticised the security checks and screening process, which he said was compromising the integrity of the marking centre.

During an address on the plans for the opening of schools for academic year held today (January 15), Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule spoke briefly on the Covid-19 crisis at matric marking venues.

“Some of our markers have passed away; while others withdrew from marking, due to fear and anxiety; but also because for some of them, their own family members have tested positive. In the majority of cases, the educators indicated they had attended funerals or ceremonies, attended by big groups of people; resulting in gatherings that were not monitored for compliance with health protocols, which includes the wearing of masks, social distancing, and regular sanitising of hands,” she said.

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