Heavy rains have affected matrics in the Eastern Cape today, 22 October 2024. Approximately 400 learners in Gqeberha were unable to take their national exams. Today was the second day of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Five schools’ learners were affected.
Learners unable to write exams
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube stated that the government made the decision to stop the writing of the National Senior Certificate exams by the affected learners because of the storms in certain areas of Gqeberha.
She added that they usually have the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on standby in certain situations such as protest actions. However, in this case, the Department decided to not let the affected learners write their exams. This was because of the storm damage to power lines which would have made it unfair for them to write exams.
Several parts of Nelson Mandela Bay had no electricity. Additionally, the floods caused a lack of safe drinking water due to a flooded treatment plant.
The Eastern Cape Education Department spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, stated that five schools in Gqeberha were unable to conduct their exams on Tuesday. This was as a result of infrastructure issues, such as collapsed bridges caused by flooding in the area.
However, some of the schools in the region had alternative electricity sources and were able to accommodate learners for their exams.
Widespread impact of floods in the area
Apart from approximately 400 Matrics affected in the Eastern Cape by the heavy rains, the storm has left many Mandela Bay Metro residents without power and flooded many homes.
Apart from Grade 12s not being able to write exams today, 22 October 2024, many schools and clinics were closed. Additionally, all the driving centre testing centres of the traffic department were closed.
Many people were unable to go to work and businesses were left with high numbers of absent workers.
Several roads in the municipality, including Gqeberha and Kariega, were closed or affected by flooding caused by the rain.
Should the Department of Education have been better prepared for these circumstances? Should they have back-up plans in place? What is your opinion on this?
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