Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi has wished matric candidates well as they sit for their 2021 May/June examinations.
The examinations, kicked off on Wednesday 26 May, with foreign language exams such as French and Mandarin and will end on 7 July 2021 with candidates sitting for Paper 2 Agriculture Sciences.
The province has 49 681 candidates sitting for the exams of which 31 374 Senior Certificate,16 246 full-time National Senior Certificate (NSC),246 part-time NSC, 1023 NSC, and 759 Adult Education and Training (AET) Level 4.
MEC encouraged the grade 12 learners to stay focused, use the remaining time productively towards the preparation for the examinations.
"The year 2020 was the most difficult year in the education calendar," he said. 
The department remains committed to ensuring that all the 2021 May/June examinations take place in a safe environment adhering strictly to all COVID-19 protocols; including wearing masks, social distancing and regularly washing of hands using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser.
Learners are urged to conduct themselves with honesty during the exams. Cheating and other exams irregularities may result in a criminal record. 
The marking will take place between 12 to 22 July 2021 at six marking centres across the province. The department will also station six COVID-19 compliance team members per marking centre who are trained  on compliance requirements.  All standard compliance procedures will be followed at all marking centres.​