According to the provincial spokesperson for Education, Elias Malindi, the North West Times newspaper reported a 2022 Grade 12 learner from Leruntse Lesedi Secondary School in Makwassie, near Wolmaransstad, did not obtain his results because the department declared him. 

Malindi said the learner only received his matric results on 27 January 2023, unlike other candidates who received it on 20 January 2023. He added that the learner wrote his final examination with other learners.

He, however, indicated the learner received his 2022 matric results late due to the mix-up at the head office.

“At the beginning of the 2022 academic year, there were two learners with similar surnames in the Grade 12 class of Leruntse Lesedi Secondary School. Unfortunately, the other learner passed on in May 2022 and the school reported the matter to the province, for capturing. Due to human error the surviving learner was mistakenly deregistered at the head office instead of the deceased learner,” Malindi added.

Meanwhile, the MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, expressed disappointment with the North West Times for publishing an article without giving the department a right to reply. 

She says the department invited a parent, the learner, and the principal to their offices to clarify the matter in January 2023 and all parties were satisfied with the explanation. Motsumi said the learner obtained good grades in five subjects and has registered to supplement 2 subjects, namely History and Geography, to improve his performance. 

She further highlighted that the department has sent officials to the family for psycho-social support, while Leruntse Lesedi Secondary School will provide the learner with all the academic support he will need during this period.

OFM News