The minister of basic education’s spokesperson, Hope Mokgatlhe, told OFM News that unfortunately two exam centres in the country did not continue to write exams.

Meanwhile, they are still waiting for more reports to come from other provinces.  The Department of Basic Education is concerned that the matric final exams will not run as smoothly as they have hoped for, following Eskom’s announcement of load shedding expected to continue into next week.

Matric learners who were writing subjects that require electricity, namely computer applications technology (CAT) as well as Information Technology (IT) were affected by unforeseen electricity blackouts.

According to Eskom’s acting CEO, Jabu Mabuza, the nationwide load shedding is due to five power generating units that were not in use due to boiler leaks as well as the conveyor belt feeding coal from Exxaro’s Grootegeluk mine to the Medupi power station in Lephalale, Limpopo. 

The conveyor belt, which broke down on Saturday, is still not working - causing Medupi to run at a third of its capacity.

The Department of Basic Education says they will look into the possibility of engaging Eskom to alert them of power cuts that will have a negative effect on matric exams.

Mokgathle further says back up exams will be put in place if matriculants who are unable to write exams due to load shedding.

OFMNews/Marvin Ntsane