Concerns raised over matric exam scheduling around Diwali
WHILE the KZN Department of Education (DoE) ensured no matric exams fall on Diwali itself, Hindu community leaders expressed concern over scheduling key papers immediately following the important festival.
Dr Lokesh Maharajh, Chairperson of the Priests’ Council at the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, commended the department for its initial effort but said the decision still raised questions about the depth of cultural sensitivity in the education system.
“The DoE should be commended for recognising Diwali and ensuring that no matric exams are written on that day, reflecting respect for South Africa’s cultural diversity.
“However, scheduling the eastern language papers, mostly written by Hindu pupils, for the very next day raises concerns about genuine sensitivity. Diwali is more than a single day; it involves days of prayer, family gatherings, and celebration.”
He said expecting pupils to sit for a major examination immediately after the festival placed undue pressure on them and could impact their performance.
“A more considerate approach would have been to allow at least two days after Diwali. Still, the department faces tight exam schedules and logistical limits, so avoiding the exams on Diwali itself may be viewed as a practical compromise,” he added.
Maharajh also emphasised the need for future collaboration between government and affected communities.
“Going forward, greater consultation with affected communities would help ensure that cultural inclusion in education is not only symbolic but sincerely applied,” said Maharaj.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kamal Maharaj, a retired subject advisor for eastern languages at the KZN DoE, noted that while the department typically accounted for Diwali in its exam planning, an oversight may have occurred this year.
“Having eastern languages set on the day after Diwali is not the best situation, especially since the majority of the pupils would have celebrated Diwali the day before.
“The department is normally aware of the Diwali date before they set the Grade 12 final examination timetable. I retired this year, but I would normally point out the date so the exams do not clash with Diwali. One of the years, the papers fell on Diwali but it was quickly amended.”
He acknowledged that logistical constraints may have limited the department’s options this year.
“I assume they are in a difficult situation now with exams around the corner. I hope the pupils manage. We must learn and move forward. However, in the future, we must make sure that the dates are sent early to the DoE.”
Maharaj called for more efficient communication to prevent future clashes.
“I do not know what went wrong because I am not aware who was given the dates within the DoE. Someone at the DoE should take responsibility as well as community leaders, principals, teachers, and everyone who should have seen the discrepancies. Prelim timetables were out, maybe in the future the DoE could also send the timetable to community leaders of all faiths just for them to double check dates. However, for now we learn from our mistakes and move forward,” said Kamal.
The department did not comment at the time of publication.