SIPHELELE NKETO
DEPARTMENT of Basic Education director-general Mathanzima Mweli conducted oversight visits at a number of marking centres in the KwaZulu-Natal province this week.
He wrapped up his visit at Kokstad College marking centre on Tuesday, December 9.
This was a national monitoring programme aimed at safeguarding the integrity, quality and credibility of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination marking process.
He was accompanied by the chief director for examinations and assessments Dr Raymond Penniston and centre manager Dr Pretty Kubheka.
Addressing the centre management, marking staff and support personnel, Mweli commended the team for their unwavering commitment and professionalism.
He emphasised the critical role they play in upholding the accuracy, fairness and credibility of the examination marking process.
The Kokstad College marking centre consists of four chief markers, two deputy centre managers, two administrative assistants, 27 examination assistants, four internal moderators, six deputy chief markers, nine senior markers, a script controller, admin manager and 139 markers.
The centre is responsible for marking Economics Paper 1 and IsiXhosa Papers 1, 2, and 3, with a total of 44 190 scripts.
Meanwhile at Pholela Special School marking centre in the Harry Gwala district, a hailstorm caused damage to vehicles belonging to marking personnel this week.
The extreme weather resulted in extensive damage including shattered windscreens, dented bodywork and other significant impairments to several vehicles.
Department of Education MEC in KZN, Sipho Hlomuka, expressed deep concern over the ordeal experienced by the affected personnel. “As the KZN Department of Education, we are profoundly saddened by the damage suffered by our dedicated markers. These educators continue to serve with unwavering commitment in safeguarding the credibility and high standards of the examination process. It is greatly unfortunate that they have endured such losses while executing their national duties,” he said and urged all marking centres across the province to remain vigilant as adverse and unpredictable weather patterns persist. The marking centre at Pholela Special School is responsible for marking Business Studies Paper 1.
