Limpopo MEC for Education, Polly Boshielo is scheduled to monitor progress at several matric examination marking centres across the province, from today to Friday, 15 January 2020. The visits will also be used check on compliance by centres to the new set of directions and health protocols announced by the Minister of Basic Education following the country's move to Covid-19 alert level 3.

Marking in the province is divided into two sessions. The first batch of scripts was attended to by 1127 markers, including ABET markers from 05 to 18 December 2020. The second session is running from 06 to 19 January 2021.

Marking is currently undertaken by a combined total 6254 markers, senior markers, deputy chief markers and internal moderators in 24 marking centres. Thus far 370 markers have pulled out of the process due to various reasons including testing positive for Covid-19, family responsibilities and bereavement. They were successfully replaced by markers from the reserve list that was created for such eventualities.

Markers on site have been taken through Covid-19 health protocols as part of their orientation when they arrive at centres, which includes steps to be followed in the event of suspected or confirmed positive cases.

The department has made provision for health and hygiene essentials in the form of sanitizers and masks to cater for markers and support staff for duration of marking.

Marking in the 24 centres is observed by members from two unions represented in the Provincial Education Labour Relation Council (PELRC), SADTU and CTU-ATU. These union representatives also form part of daily centre progress meetings to aid smooth running of the process.

ISSUED BY THE LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION