The Committee noted the following key issues and concerns regarding the state of examination readiness in the Northern Cape: . The Committee was satisfied that the Northern Cape Department of Education was ready and prepared to administer the National Senior Certificate examination. The NCDOE had made the necessary preparations, including the registration of learners and examination centres, the packing, printing, storing and distribution of question papers under strict security controls. The examination was also progressing well without major irregularities. During the previous oversight visit to the Province at the beginning of October 2012, the Portfolio Committee applauded the efforts of the NCDOE, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to create the necessary environment for learners affected by the protest action in order to continue schooling at special centres. However, of concern to the Committee was the number of learners who had had very little or no schooling for the period of the protest action and beyond. To date some were still not receiving any tuition nor were they writing the examination. The situation needed to be resolved speedily.