KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza expressed her happiness that marking of matric exam papers is progressing well at Ugu District marking centre.
Today, MEC Khoza, who is also Ugu District Champion, visited Gamalakhe FET College, which is one of the marking centres in the district, to monitor progress.
Accompanied by Ugu District Municipality, Mayor, Councillor Sizwe Ngcobo and the District Champion, Head of Department, Dr Thobile Sifunda, they went through different aspects in the marking centre, including adherance to Covid-19 protocols.
The exam centre started operating at the beginning of January. MEC Khoza said she was impressed by the progress and good preparations by the management of the marking centres.
"The marking is taking place in a very strictly and well-secured environment, which shows proper preparation from the side of the Department of Education," she said.
MEC Khoza said there was an indication that the markers at the centre would finish their marking at least by the end of the week.
"The markers have managed to keep themselves safe within the marking centre. We have checked on the compliance with Covid-19 regulations and all that has been done to safeguard the lives of employees seems to be in place," she added.
The marking centre has had one case of Covid-19 infections, which was handled properly within the regulations.
The markers are accommodated in the marking centre with proper bathing facilities and social distancing is being observed.
MEC Khoza instructed management that all markers who had close contact with the the person who has been infected should undergo testing.
She said the comprehensive report recieved from marking centre management shows that all efforts have been made to ensure safety of the people.
"As the province we have a huge number of marking centres. At Ugu District we are happy with progress. There is a well-oiled system that involves all affected Department s,including environmental health, to ensure that the food prepared for markers meets the required standard. We are pleased with the working relationship with the Department of Health and law enforcement agencies," said MEC Khoza.
Ugu District Municipality Mayor, Councillor Sizwe Ngcobo, also commended centre management for the good work they are doing to ensure safety at the centre. He said it was pleasing to know that marking could be completed earlier than expected in the centre.
ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT