The Department of Basic Education on Friday moved to allay fears that the matric exam marking process in KwaZulu-Natal coould be in jeopardy following a technical error in the appointment of markers in the province.
The department says it is working with the KwaZulu-Natal education officials to ensure that only markers that satisfy the stringent criteria are appointed.
Authorities had noted the “unfortunate error” that occurred in the final steps of the appointment of markers for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The marker recruitment process in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, like in all other provinces is based on clearly defined criteria and processes that are prescribed in policy,” the department said adding that there was sufficient monitoring of the appointment of markers.
“The province completed the recruitment process as per plan, and qualifying teachers were recommended for appointment. However, the error occurred at the point of printing and issuing of appointment letters,” the department explained.
In the interim, all marker appointments have been withdrawn to allow the provincial education department time to rectify the error, which will involve a thorough verification of the list of applicants that are recommended for appointment.
The notification to successful markers would commence in the next few days, well ahead of the start of the marking session on 4 December.
Pretoria also said it noted that each provincial education department uses its own computer based marker data management system, and that the technical error that occurred is restricted to KwaZulu-Natal only.
“The department is committed to ensuring that the marking of the 2013 NSC examination is credible, fair and reliable.” – SAnews.gov.za
