Marking centres must be safe

The marking of 14m matric scripts from last year will begin today at several centres across the country.

There can be no doubt that the 2020 matric class has had the toughest year in recent history thanks to massive disruptions in teaching and learning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Add to that the leaking of two exam papers in parts of the country, which prompted authorities to order a rewrite across the board.

That decision was thankfully overturned by the courts. 

Now these pupils potentially face a new headache brought on by the second wave of Covid-19.

Teacher unions have raised the alarm over the withdrawal of markers who have contracted Covid-19.

On Tuesday the Eastern Cape education department sent home 74 senior markers and managers after they tested positive for Covid-19 during mandatory screening and testing.

A number of them have also withdrawn from centres elsewhere in the country.

Granted, the department says they will be replaced and that screening and testing will be conducted daily.

However, fears that such withdrawals anytime during the 18-day marking period may cause disruption and further delays are possible.

Both Sadtu and Naptosa unions believe the solution lies with the government providing accommodation for all 25,000 markers who have to commute daily to the centres.

But while this seems like a reasonable call, it may not be practically possible financially and otherwise.

There is also no guarantee that such accommodation centres would necessarily lessen behavioural risk than elsewhere.

The government needs to ensure that its daily screening and testing at these centres are strictly adhered to as well as all other health protocols.

Further, the current alarming rise in Covid-19 infections in the country means that disruptions in some form will be inevitable.

This is why the department must adequately train those on its list of substitutes to ensure that where necessary they are able to fill gaps as speedily and seamlessly as possible.

Any further delays in the issuing of results will have serious consequences for an already pressured class of 2020.

With efficient planning and strict adherence to protocols, such delays can be avoided.