The Basic Education Department says the first week has gone well. According to the department, they are happy with how things have progressed.

Director-general, Mathanzima Mweli, visited various marking centres in six provinces to monitor progress. 

"Things are going well and marking is taking place," said education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga.

"What we are really monitoring, when we go there, is to check on the compliance with the COVID-19 regulations," he added.

The department said it is investigating conditions at a matric marking centre in Limpopo.

Teacher's union, EUSA, claimed educators are sleeping close to each other at the Tom Naude Technical High School in Polokwane.

It also says that there are no flushing toilets or bathing facilities, and a lack of social distancing.

According to Mhlanga, the facility seen on pictures circulating on social media does not look like any of their centres. "It is actually very difficult to identify that particular place," he said. "We are investigating the origins of those images because they are misleading."

Despite challenges, the marking looks like it could be completed earlier than expected. Matric results are expected to be released on 22 February.

eNCA