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Matric exam markers protest at three Eastern Cape marking centres over Covid-19 cases

Details

protestNews24 reports that the Eastern Cape education department is racing against time to recover matric examination marking time that was lost due to marker protests at three centres over four days.  

Nonetheless, the department said all 24 marking centres would complete marking before the 21 January deadline.  The latest protest was on Saturday, when 151 examination markers at Stutterheim High School downed tools after one marker tested positive for Covid-19.  The protests were apparently sparked by the department's alleged refusal to remove markers who tested positive.  But, the department said on Monday that it had sent almost 300 markers home so far, after they contracted the virus.  National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA CEO Loyiso Mbinda confirmed that the markers have been removed from the marking centres.  On Monday, Eastern Cape education department MEC Fundile Gade's spokesperson, Vuyiseka Mboxela, said normality had resumed at the centres after the incidents and went on to add:  “Even though we have had few incidents in three marking centres in Humansdorp, Stutterheim and OR Tambo, the credibility of marking and security of papers was not affected in any centre.”  Mboxela commented further:  "Out of 24 centres, only three have had those incidents which were resolved instantly. We pride ourselves to have been well prepared for this period as we remain the only province that conducted screening and testing for Covid-19, which resulted in less than 300 people (including general staff) having to be sent home due to them having tested positive for Covid-19."

  • Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malibongwe Dayimani at News24


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