Matric exams in Gauteng 'severely affected' by load shedding on Wednesday
The Computer Application Technology exam was written on Wednesday. On Thursday, Information Technology (IT) exams are due to take place.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE)'s Steve Mabona says matriculants in the province were "severely affected" by load shedding on Wednesday.
While the matric exams kick off in full force from 23 October, some practical examinations take place before-hand, including Computer Application Technology, which was written on Wednesday.
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On Wednesday, Stage 2 load shedding was unexpectedly introduced and is set to remain in place for a week.
Mabona says 10 exam centres were affected with pupils at three centres unable to save their work and 7 centres not able to write at all.
Mabona says: "We had about 10 00 learners that were due to write," meaning a sizeable number of pupils were affected.
He explains that a new paper will have to be drafted and pupils will have to apply for a concession to be allowed to re-write the exam.
On Thursday, Information Technology (IT) exams are due to take place.
Mabona advises pupils: "Let's focus, let's make sure that we write what we know."
On Wednesday, the Department of Basic Education expressed concern over the negative impact load shedding could have on this year’s matric exams.
The department's spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the extent of the impact had not yet been established as provinces still needed to provide feedback.