Education

Matriculants begin final exams with Stage 4 loadshedding in effect

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Yesterday, 27 October 2021, kicked off Matric exams in South Africa. A moment in the lives of many holding major significance over their next move in life. Nonetheless, Eskom has imposed Stage 4 loadshedding.

What does loadshedding imply for the matriculants currently writing their National Senior Certificate exams? Especially since this is a significant personal milestone and a significant marker for our nation’s future.

In the run-up to the exams, Umalusi, the council for quality assurance in education and training, has urged power utility Eskom not to implement loadshedding.

Mafu Ramoketsi, CEO of the council, told the SABC that Umalusi had requested that the Department of Basic Education meet with Eskom to discuss mitigation measures. This plea, however, appears to have fallen on deaf ears as the power utility moved from Stage 2 to Stage 4 loadshedding.

Furthermore, the Department of Basic Education spokesperson stated that while loadshedding is a genuine concern, it does not affect the examinations themselves. Mhlanga explains this is because natural light is sufficient for writing.

It should be noted that loadshedding disrupted the computer application technology exam for the 2019 matric class two years ago. This left several students with no choice but to rewrite.

This year, Mhlanga believes the department is better prepared. However, he is urging Eskom to play their role and address their issues so it does not threaten the exams.

Herman Mashaba, President of ActionSA, has expressed his dissatisfaction on the matter. “Today, on the day that matric students start their final exams, Eskom and this inept South African government have plunged the country into stage four load-shedding. Many students across our country will now not have the ability to study or even take their online exams without disruption.”

As children now study around electricity rotations. What are your thoughts? Share them below.

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Comments 1

Abeda says:

3 years ago

The government seems to have forgotten…majority of university students have been having on line lectures and they have also started exams. Most exams are online…from home…they are in a worse off position than the matric students…no wifi..no power…can’t use computers..
It is a real challenge…

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