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Last-minute checks ensure all is in place as matric exams get under way [Cape Times (South Africa)](Cape Times (South Africa) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) THE National Senior Certificate exams begin today, with thousands of Grade 12 pupils writing the computer technology paper. In the Western Cape, 8 340 pupils of the 61 065 matric candidates will be sitting the exam. Tomorrow, 914 will be writing the information technology exam. Education MEC Debbie Schafer said her department had worked with nuclear power operator Eskom and a number of municipalities to ensure the electricity supply would not be interrupted while pupils were sitting their exams. However, bad weather and other eventualities could cause power failures. Officials visited examination centres to ensure computer networks and work stations were functioning. Of the Western Cape's candidates, 49 271 are full-time and 11 794 part-time. Next Monday, the 551 656 registered full-time candidates across the country will write the first English paper. Department of Basic Education spokesman Elijah Mhlanga said steps had been taken to ensure all schools in the Free State and Limpopo would have computers to use for the exams. This followed concern expressed several weeks ago by Umalusi, the body that ensures the quality of the exams, that some schools in the two provinces would not have access to these. Schafer said 3 099 markers would mark exam scripts from December 5 to 14. "A training programme across the province was provided in September to ensure that all principals, exam centre managers and chief invigilators at all exam centres received the appropriate training, especially in the implementation of new exam procedures adopted, to enhance the security and integrity of the examination system." [email protected] Cape Times (c) 2014 Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited. All rights strictly reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |