Department of Basic Education works to rectify KwaZulu-Natal markers appointment error

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has noted the unfortunate error that has occurred in the final steps of the appointment of markers for the National Senior Certificate examination, in the KwaZulu-Natal province (see BDLive report).

The marker recruitment process in the KwaZulu-Natal province, like in all other provinces is based on clearly defined criteria and processes that are prescribed in policy. The DBE has monitored the entire examination process, including the appointment of markers. The province completed the recruitment process as per plan, and qualifying teachers were recommended for appointment. However, the error occurred at the point of printing and issuing of appointment letters.

In the interim all marker appointments have been withdrawn to allow the PED time to rectify the error, which in the main will involve a thorough verification of the list of applicants that are recommended for appointment.

The DBE is currently working closely with the KZN provincial education department to ensure that only markers that satisfy the stringent criteria are appointed.

The notification to successful markers will commence in the next few days, well ahead of the commencement of the 2013 National Senior Certificate marking session in KZN on 4 December 2013.

It also needs to be noted that each provincial education department uses its own computer based marker data management system, and therefore the technical error that occurred, is restricted to KwaZulu-Natal province only.

The Department is committed to ensuring that the marking of the 2013 NSC examination is credible, fair and reliable.

Statement issued by the Department of Basic Education, November 7 2013

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