Stay updated with breaking news from Exam Markers. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
A total of 23 matric markers in Limpopo, including 13 who were based at the Northern Academy Secondary School in Polokwane, have been sent home after testing positive for Covid-19.
A total of 23 matric markers in Limpopo, including 13 who were based at the Northern Academy Secondary School in Polokwane, have been sent home after testing positive for Covid-19.
Image: 123RF/Julija Sapic The department of basic education has extended the marking of grade 12 exam papers due to a shortage of markers after some withdrew or declined to work, often because of Covid-19. This was revealed by an education official during a media briefing on Monday. It was also revealed that marking would go on for 18 days, as opposed to 12 to 14 days in previous years. Marking started on January 4 and was expected to be completed on January 22. “To date 2,703 of 46,024 markers withdrew,” said Priscilla Ogunbanjo, director for examinations at the departme...
Of those who tested positive, 238 markers contracted the coronavirus after reporting for duty. “There has been anxiety and fear among markers and their families to the extent that some marking personnel opted to withdraw from the process. While some withdrew due to the fear, others withdrew because they themselves had tested positive for Covid-19 or somebody in the family had tested positive. “In most cases in the Eastern Cape, most if not all the markers who tested positive reported they had recently attended weddings, funerals or family events with a considerable amount of peo...