The Basic Education Portfolio Committee has expressed grave concern regarding the lack of electricity supply and loadshedding during the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Grade 12 examinations, which are currently underway.
“It is not only the actual exams that are affected, it also impacts on the learners’ preparations for the examinations. It is particularly concerning with the National Senior Certificate examinations,” said Committee Chairperson, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba. She added that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) informed the committee that the Director-General has requested an urgent meeting with the Eskom CEO, André de Ruyter, which is expected to occur in the next few days. Kwazi Mthethwa, spokesperson for KZN Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu, said loadshedding is big concern in the education sector and that the MEC is concerned about the disruptions it may cause for learners writing exams. “We have made a submission to national government to see if it’s possible for Eskom to align their schedule with the exam timetable. We are hoping to receive good news very soon,” said Mthethwa.
The Westville Weekly Gazette spoke to some learners in matric from St Benedict School on how loadshedding has affected them. Matric learner, Andile Sibisi, said: “Preparing for the final examination period is already stressful. Add loadshedding to the equation and the stress and pressure only intensifies. Loadshedding has taken away the flexibility of time to focus on our studies as we are forced to complete as much work as possible within the allocated times of power. It has quite literally compelled all matriculants to be the light amidst the darkness. Although it is challenging, we are bound to succeed if we are determined.” Another matric learner, Zuriel Munez, said: “Loadshedding is a major problem in our economy but as learners we are feeling it the most, especially during this period of examinations. More often than not it hits during vital times of studying. Without power we are unable to watch videos to aid understanding and cannot study due to poor lighting. In all honesty, studying by candle light is just as effective as studying in the complete dark. Loadshedding has really cut down on the mandatory time we need to study.”
With most of the work and study material online, some learners are having difficulty accessing the internet during loadshedding. “Loadshedding has been interrupting my work schedule since my Wi-Fi is connected to the electricity. I often have to wait for hours just to access past papers online if I haven’t had the chance to download them as yet,” said Sinothando Futshane. According to Eskom, the current Stage 4 loadshedding was implemented on Monday, 8 November, from 1pm and will probably be moved to Stage 2 on Friday at 5am. The power utility said this was due to a high demand or urgent maintenance being performed at certain power stations and will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.
