​Thembisa Shologu
With only 16 days to go until the 2021 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, the Basic Education Department (DBE) says it is all systems go.
At least 735 677 learners to sit for this year's exams which start from 27 October 2021. This is the largest number since the inception of the NSC exam in terms of fulltime enrolment.
"We have consulted with provinces to check on their state of readiness and provinces have confirmed that it is all system go," Minister Angie Motshekga said. 
The Class of 2021 had to navigate a complex terrain to arrive at this final examination. 
"This is the Grade 11 Class of 2020, that did not complete their curriculum, but through the sheer hard work and dedication of our teachers, they have been able to cover the entire curriculum of 2021, and that they even had enough time to do revisions," said Motshekga.
Remote learning interventions of the Department and its partners, together with the camps, have assisted in terms of curriculum coverage.
"This is the third Matric exam to happens under the COVID-19 environment; and the DBE had to make changes, to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning," said Motshekga. 
Candidates will participate in a pledge-signing ceremony on 22 October to confirm their non-participation in acts of dishonesty during the exams.
"It will be followed by the signing of a commitment agreement committing to binding themselves to support the writing of an irregularity-free exam," said Director of National Examinations, Priscilla Ogunbanjo.
Marking is scheduled to begin on 8 December and end on 22 December 2021, with results scheduled for 21 January 2022.
The Department has urged communities to assist in the fight against examination irregularities. 
"The DBE and the Provincial Education Departments are leaving no stone unturned in strengthening their security measures across the value chain. 
"We need the support of parents, teachers, principals and all members of the public to alert the Department of any irregular practice that may surface on the social media or on any other platform," Ogunbanjo said.