Teachers show resilience in hailstorm while marking Grade 12 exams in Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal
Teachers who were at a matric marking centre at the Pholela Special School this week were caught in a hailstorm this week.
Image: KZN Department of Education
Teacher in KwaZulu-Natal who are marking Grade 12 examination papers found themselves caught in a massive hailstorm this week.
While there were no injuries to the teachers, some of their vehicles were extensively damaged.
The teachers were at the marking centre at Pholela Special School in the Bulwer area, outside Underberg.
In a statement, the department said the teachers continued their work despite the storm.
Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, in a statement, extended sympathy to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) marking personnel whose vehicles were damaged during the severe hailstorm that impacted Pholela Special School and surrounding areas over the past two days.
The department said the unexpected and extreme weather conditions resulted in extensive damage, including shattered windscreens, dented bodywork, and other significant impairments to several vehicles.
It stated that despite this distressing incident, the markers continued to carry out their duties with remarkable professionalism, ensuring that the integrity, timelines, and overall progress of the NSC marking process remained uninterrupted.
MEC Hlomuka said: “As the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, we are profoundly saddened by the damage suffered by our dedicated markers. These educators continue to serve with unwavering commitment in safeguarding the credibility and high standards of the examination process. It is greatly unfortunate that they have endured such losses while executing their national duties,” said MEC Hlomuka.
Hlomuka also urged all marking centres across the province to remain vigilant as adverse and unpredictable weather patterns persist.
“We are relieved that no injuries have been reported and that all our markers are safe. We commend their resilience, dedication, and professionalism under such challenging circumstances.
"The Department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the marking process proceeds seamlessly, with the welfare of our educators remaining paramount,” he added.