Markers were appointed in terms of their experience in the subject - a minimum of three years experience of teaching Grade 12. Their selection was also based on the performance of the learners that they have taught.

The minister noted media reports on alleged difficulties around toilet facilities faced by markers in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We apologise sincerely to all affected makers and will ensure necessary steps are taken so that these sorts of challenges do not arise again,” said Motshekga.

The Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi - which has the sole statutory mandate to ensure that examination results are credible - will proceed with the quality assurance process.

On 24 December, Umalusi will convene the standardisation meeting, where performance in each subject will be analysed to ensure that the current performance is in keeping with performance in previous years in each subject.

From 24 December until 30 December, the checking of the preliminary results will take place, involving Umalusi, the national and provincial education departments, followed by a meeting of the Umalusi Council to approve the NSC results.

From 3 to 5 January 2011, the Statements of Results will be distributed to schools by districts. The department will monitor the process. By 5 January, all districts will have received the Statements of Results.

The schedules handed over to principals are the complete set of results for each learner.

Learners are urged to go to school on 6 January to receive their results officially, from 8am. - BuaNews