In the Western Cape, 32 868 candidates are due to write exams on Monday, and 27 154 on Tuesday and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is bracing for disruptions amid the planned two-day taxi strike.
Last week, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) advised Western Cape commuters including learners, to make alternative transport arrangements as taxi operators are planning a shutdown in protest against a number of grievances.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Western Cape Education Department reported that it is taking several steps to mitigate the impact of the transport strike.
“We are deeply disappointed by SANTACO Western Cape’s decision to undertake strike action, as it will have a serious impact on our learners writing end-of-year exams, and our matric exams in particular.” says the Department.
The WCED says it has contacted all of the provincial exam centres regarding contingency plans and sent every individual matric candidate an SMS urging them to make alternative transport plans before Monday.
Education MEC David Maynier reported that schools have put plans in place to assist candidates if they can, using alternative transport and hostel facilities where available and that these schools will communicate directly with their candidates.
"In addition, our districts have made contingency plans for matric candidates who are not able to reach their designated exam centre despite their best efforts. If this happens, we urge them to remain calm, and go to their nearest exam centre where they will be guided to ensure that they can write the exam. We have plans in place to ensure that there will be enough exam papers, stationery, and invigilators at all venues."
Maynier has urged SANTACO to delay the strike rather than risk disrupting the national exams, as candidates who miss their exams will only get an opportunity to write again in May/June 2023.
“The best way for all learners to be able to reach their exam centre will be for the strike to be called off or postponed.”
He believes that the key to the success of these measures is for candidates and their parents not to panic, adding that the department is doing everything it can to ensure that the exams proceed smoothly.
