According to Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, this formed part of the performance agreement signed by education officials.
Grade 12 pupils across the province would commence their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on 27 October.
A total of 101 265 full-time and 42 382 part-time pupils in Gauteng have registered for the exams.
Lesufi said, “Although preparations, aimed at ensuring that the exams run smoothly, could be a huge logistical nightmare; the department has done everything possible to make sure pupils have received the best possible chance to do well.”
Lesufi was concerned about pupils being adequately prepared for the exams.
“I’m very worried, there are areas where I think if we had time we will improve… for example… in economics and accounting the number of pupils struggling now shocked me.”
However, the department had introduced support structures to ensure the province’s readiness for the examinations including Saturday schools, holiday schools and matric revision camps.
The matric revision camps had been established across the province in areas such as Magaliesburg, Hammanskraal and Vanderbijlpark.
“These camps will provide opportunities for intensified study and drill sessions aimed at increased content coverage as well as intensified exam practice,” said Lesufi.
The camps have been divided into three categories. These include high-risk pupil camps, where 5 318 pupils identified as performing below departmental standards would be bussed to; 15 camps around the province from 6 to 10 October; residential camps, where 13 712 pupils would be accommodated from 13 to 24 October, and walk-in camps for pupils unable to leave their homes.
The walk-in camps would accommodate 40 327 at 108 sites in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
“The department also has a standing agreement with Child Line to assist pupils who find themselves in stressful situations as a result of pressure they might experience from these exams,” Lesufi said.
The Child Line help line is 08000 55 555.
Exam results will be released on 6 January next year.
Meanwhile, he challenged higher education institutions to accommodate qualifying students rather than raising admission requirements in order to minimise applicants.
“We need these young people to occupy strategic sectors of the economy, so we need to give them support and the way to provide support is to expand, make resources available and ensure there are enough lecturers to teach them,” he said.
