AfriForum welcomed the Department of Basic Education’s announcement that matric learners who tested positive or display symptoms of COVID-19, will be allowed to write the final matric exams. This follows after the department initially announced that matrics with positive results or symptoms would not be allowed to write the exams this year and would only get the opportunity to do so during the supplementary exams in 2021.
Amongst others, the amended regulations stipulate that learners who had tested positive for COVID-19 or who have a temperature of 38̊ Celsius or higher on the day of the exam, should write their exams in a separate classroom or hall, be referred to a doctor immediately after the exam for medical attention, and not be allowed to socialise with other learners. The department also appealed to parents and guardians of matrics who tested positive for the virus, to inform the schools timeously in order for schools to put the necessary measures in place.
According to Natasha Venter, advisor for educational rights at AfriForum, it is AfriForum’s view that every learner who feels prepared to take the final exams, should be allowed to do so, as long as the necessary safety measures are taken to protect other learners.
“It would have been very unfair of the department to discriminate against learners who tested positive for or who show symptoms of COVID-19, especially when it comes to writing one of the most important exams of their lives. The decision that all matriculants will be allowed to proceed with writing the final exams – subject to certain safety measures – was therefore sensible. We want to encourage all learners, especially now, to follow the COVID-19 regulations to ensure they remain healthy during the exams.”