SA'S MATRIC MID-YEAR EXAMS CANCELLED

The mid-year exams for South Africa's Grade 12 pupils have been cancelled. This was announced by the Department of Basic Education as part of its efforts to ensure the pupils get through their curriculum on time.

Minister Angie Motshekga presented her plans to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning on Tuesday.

The minister confirmed that this is a once-off decision made to accommodate the current situation relating to the pandemic, and that the department aims to keep the Grade 12s in class for as long as possible.

"We want to make up for the loss of time and for them to cover the curriculum. They did not go on holiday in March and most of the schools are giving extra classes. The June period of exams will be used to cover the curriculum. We also have a team monitoring COVID-19 infections on a daily basis," said Motshekga.

The Minister gazetted new regulations last week that gives primary schools the opportunity to return to daily attendance and a traditional timetable from 26 July. This announcement was based on the provision that the risk-adjusted differentiated strategy is implemented.

Special needs schools will also be allowed to return to daily attendance on 26 July.