Staff Reporter
Marking of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams has been completed after a three-week process conducted at 183 centres nationwide, the Department of Basic Education said on Saturday.
The department said provincial reports showed the process ran “with commendable efficiency, procedural compliance, and unwavering adherence to established quality-assurance protocols”.
The exams started on 21 October and ended on 27 November, with 903,561 candidates registered to write this year’s papers.
Full-scale marking started on 1 December.
The department singled out staff at Pholela Special School in KwaZulu-Natal, saying: “Despite the severe hailstorm that inflicted significant damage to their vehicles, these markers persevered and completed their duties with remarkable resolve.”
The storm damage occurred at the Bulwer-based marking centre earlier this month.
The department also pointed to steps taken during marking to protect exam integrity, saying it “commends the vigilance of the marker cohort that identified an examination breach during the marking process”.
The breach, in which about 26 pupils were given prior access to exam papers, allegedly by DBE employees, was announced last week by education minister Siviwe Gwarube.
DBE Director-General Mathanzima Mweli said the NSC depended on the integrity and ethical discipline of markers.
“Through your vigilance, accuracy, and professionalism, you have once again demonstrated the strength of our education system. We know the sacrifices you make, sacrifices no financial reward can truly match. We honour your dedication and thank you for being exemplary custodians of this critical national process.”
Gwarube is expected to announce the 2025 NSC results on 12 January, after which they will be released to candidates.
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