Speaking during the tour of the renovated marking centre, previously destroyed by a hailstorm, MEC Tate Makgoe says he is pleased to learn that the reconstruction of the hall was done just in time for the examinations in March and that the Class of 2022 has been utilising the hall for all the examinations this year. “This is to also show that we are ready for the final examinations,” he says. 

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In December 2021, the school was partly destroyed by a hailstorm. The school’s hall, which was used as a marking centre at the time, was severely damaged. Makgoe also emphasised that every single learner received their true marks, as all the scripts were retrieved after the storm. 

Albert Moroka will continue to be used as a marking centre for the Class of 2022's papers, as they felt it will be a waste to change marking centres instead of renovating this one. “We tasked the department of infrastructure, asking that the hall must be fully completed by the beginning of exams and they came to the party and did just that - we are thankful.”

Among the hall, some classes together with the hostel were destroyed by the hailstorm. All those have been repaired and the hostel will once again house markers for the duration of the marking period. Makgoe adds that there has been fear of electricity cuts in the area, but he wants to assure everyone that all marking centres in the Free State have an alternative supply of electricity. “We even have an alternative supply of water. So, during the examination and marking period, the two (water and electricity) will not be a problem.” Makgoe states they want to ensure that the Class of 2022 is given enough support to produce the best results.

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The principal of the school, Pulane Motsamai, expressed her gratitude to the department for ensuring that all gets done in time. She said as the school they also took a decision to renovate some other parts of the school, as they celebrate 50 years of existence at the school. “In addition to the reconstructions that was done, we were also given 22 laptops as some of the computers in the computer room were destroyed in the storm.”

The director for Examinations and Assessment, Teboho Basjan, also said it is of importance that each marking centre have their own space where they are able to capture marks as this could save a lot of time. 

The marking centre manager of Albert Moroka, Mosadi Motshabi, also expressed her gratitude in how the markers were swiftly moved after the ordeal. “The markers were moved to a different centre and marking resumed within a day.” 

All the markers were offered psychosocial support after the storm.

“I am confident that the Class of 2022 will do us proud,” concluded Makgoe.

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