Teachers' unions in KwaZulu-Natal have voiced strong opposition to the provincial Education Department’s recent changes to the mid-term exam schedule, calling the move unfair and poorly communicated.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) criticised the department for requiring schools that achieved below 85% in last year’s matric results to write common exams. The union claims that even high-performing schools are being pressured to participate, despite the department insisting that the tests are voluntary.
The province’s June examinations were delayed after several schools failed to receive their norms and standards funding. In response to the financial crisis, the KZN government has allocated R900 million to resolve the issue.
As a temporary measure, SADTU has suspended its "Work to Rule" campaign to allow exams to proceed and for payments to be processed. An amended examination timetable has now been implemented.
Meanwhile, the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) in KZN says some schools are gradually catching up after being affected by last week’s protests.
NAPTOSA’s provincial head, Thirona Moodley, explained, “Some schools had contingency papers and continued with assessments. Others now have to follow the department’s revised schedule to ensure all second-term assessments are completed on time.”
She emphasised that assessments must be conducted within the same term that the content is taught, as per departmental protocol.
A meeting to further address the exam scheduling and related concerns is scheduled for next Friday.