Speaker, in 2010 the examination quality assurance body, Umalusi, said that there was a clear indication of marked improvement in the manner in which all assessments, as well as the final examination, had been administered.
The provincial education departments have continued to demonstrate their remarkable ability to administer and manage this high-stakes examination with fervour. The Department of Basic Education also committed itself to the fact that in the 2011 National Senior Certificate, NSC, examination it would continue with its agenda of building a credible national examination and assessment system. We in the ANC commend the hon Minister and the department for a job well done thus far.
The running of the examination must be hitch-free. All learners sitting for the examination in public schools are duly registered. All public centres have been evaluated to ensure that they satisfy the criteria for registration. The 325 question papers that have been set have been subjected to high scrutiny and security in regard to printing, packing and distribution.
We firmly believe that when the examination draws to a close, all scripts will be safely returned to the provincial offices and to the marking centres. We look forward to a good marking process and to the release of the final results on 5 January 2012.
We in the ANC congratulate the hon Minister and the department on the good preparation, and hope that the detailed analysis of the 2011 NSC results will assist in bringing more and better child support to schools in order to improve the quality of our education. I thank you. [Applause.]