Basic Education postpones supplementary examinations

The future continues to remain uncertain for more than 350,000 part-time candidates. They were regis- tered to write their supplementary amended senior certificate (old matric), and national senior certificate (NSC) in May.
The national Department of Basic Education has released an official statement postponing the scheduled May-June supplementary examinations, which will be merged with the November 2020 exams, due to the disruption of the academic year by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, the examinations were scheduled to start on 4 May and conclude on 26 June 2020. The candidates comprise those who did not meet the requirements to pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams from previous years and those who wish to improve their marks.
The director-general of the department, Mathanzima Mweli, has written a letter to heads of provincial education departments confirming the rescheduling of exams.
“The department urges all candidates to continue with their preparations. Learning and revision material has been made available on the department’s website,” said Elijah Mhlanga. According to him, the Second Chance matric support programme on the website is available to assist those who have been studying independently as part-time students, in particular. With lockdown being extended, further disruptions to regular schooling are expected. At this point, it is still unclear when teaching and learning will resume,” he said.