KZN education department ready to administer matric exams

THE KZN Department of Education has announced that it is ready and prepared to commence the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, scheduled to begin on Monday.

This was revealed on Tuesday by Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, who said there are 179 751 full-time and 16 148 part-time candidates, totalling 195 899.

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“This marks a 3% increase compared to the 190 452 candidates who wrote in 2024. This reflects the continued growth and commitment of the KZN education system in ensuring every eligible learner is allowed to complete their schooling journey.

“This upward trend is a clear reflection of the department’s sustained efforts to improve learner retention, reduce drop-out rates and expand access to quality education. It also demonstrates the growing confidence of learners and parents in the public education system,” said Hlomuka.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure all logistical, administrative and security arrangements are in place to guarantee the smooth and credible administration of the examinations.
“Our province runs the largest examination system in the country, supported by 6 450 invigilators overseeing 6 712 examination rooms across 1 705 public centres and 61 private examination centres.

“Examination materials will be distributed through 13 storage points and 103 distribution and collection centres. KZN will print 113 question papers, totalling 35 192 785 printouts, to be written across 27 morning and 27 afternoon sessions,” he said.

Examination administration and integrity

“We conducted advocacy and training sessions for chief invigilators and invigilators, and employed additional monitors to safeguard examination processes. District core teams trained staff to ensure irregularity-free examinations.

“A total of 7 889 markers have been appointed, with appointment letters to be issued by the end of this month,” said Hlomuka, adding that the marking of exam papaers will run from 2 to 12 December across 32 marking centres.

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