Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it registered 191 181 candidates for the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examination. 
Scheduled to kick off on 30 October and conclude on 5 December 2023, this year's examination reflects a 1.9% decline, equating to 3539 fewer candidates compared to the 2022 examination.
The number of full-time candidates has seen a decrease of 6310, whereas the part-time and repeater candidates have increased by 2771 individuals. 
This marks the first decline in enrollment since 2020, although it remains substantially higher than the 150 000 candidate average observed from 2015 to 2020.
"This is the first downward trend in enrolments since 2020 but remains significantly higher than across 2015 to 2020," said MEC Matome Chiloane.
In a bid to curb potential cheating via digital means, wristwatches will not be allowed during the examinations. Additionally, the GDE has introduced the use of super scanners at examination centres to deter the smuggling of cell phones. 
"The department has been commended by both the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Umalusi for the level of readiness, innovations implemented, and progress made regarding areas of concern raised ahead of the 2023 NSC examination.  
"We are confident that we are ready to deliver and administer the 2023 NSC examination in a credible manner which is free of technical irregularities," said MEC Matome Chiloane. 
With all preparations in place, MEC Chiloane expressed hope that Gauteng will excel in the upcoming exams.
Marking for the NSC 2023 scripts is set to occur in two stages, with an early session from 18 to 26 November and the main session from 7 to 18 December 2023, across a total of 25 marking centres.
"About 14 065 markers have been appointed to ensure marking is completed within the stipulated norm times; this is key to ensuring that all marking is timeously completed.
"GDE will continue to engage in the e-marking process for Accounting Papers 1 and 2 and Mathematics Paper 2 and support the other eight provinces in their e-marking of these papers as well," said Chiloane.
The national NSC 2023 results will be officially released on 18 January 2024, while both Provincial Results and the 2024 Statements of Results will be available for collection at schools on 19 January 2024.