Matric exams: DBE says backup venues on standby in case of emergencies

The Department of Basic Education said it has backup venues on standby in case of emergencies, such as natural disasters, that may affect writing centres during 2025’s matric exams.

Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced at a media briefing on Monday that there were almost 7,000 exam centres to accommodate the over 900,000 learners set to write.

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The matriculants are set to begin exams on Tuesday, with the minister saying all systems are in place to ensure a smooth sailing season.

Gwarube was addressing the media in Skukuza, Mpumalanga on Monday, saying the department has prepared for a successful exam season by putting measures in place to ensure security of writing papers, preparing for natural disasters, and issues like load shedding.

She said that while they had tightened security to ensure the exams were not compromised, they have also set up additional writing venues by utilising independent schools, and they have generators for schools without power.

"We have made sure that we have backup plans in place, we have seen natural disasters and even community unrest; we have alternative venues to make sure these exams are done. We also made provision for learners who have learning or visual impairments; we have braille papers and audio-visual papers."

She added that the printing and exam paper storage facilities were secure, with alarms and access control.