Matrics sit for last stretch

Nearly 7000 schools and centres will host the finals.

- Brian Sokutu

MILESTONE: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CONFIDENT ABOUT ITS READINESS FOR NSC EXAMS

As 882 336 matric candidates today begin their 2024 national senior certificate (NSC) examinations, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is bullish about the department's and pupils' readiness for the matric exams.

Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria yesterday, hours before the start of the countrywide exams, Gwarube underscored the importance of the exams, describing them as "not only a critical milestone for the learners involved, but also representing the cumulative efforts of our education system, our schools, communities and the department of basic education".

"With just hours to go before the first paper is written, I proudly announce that we are ready to administer the 2024 NSC exams - holding ourselves to best-in-class integrity, security and efficiency standards.

"Outside of the national and local government elections, I have yet to learn of any other logistical project of the magnitude of the national senior certificate examinations," Gwarube said.

According to Gwarube, the NSC state of readiness included: