South Africa
Matric exam cheating to be investigated─── 06:51 Tue, 13 Dec 2022
The National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) is calling for a thorough investigation into allegations that more than 1000 pupils from six provinces cheated in this year’s matric exams.
According to the SABC, it is alleged that pupils paid teachers up to R1500 to join a WhatsApp group where answers were shared while exams were in session.
It is also alleged that some invigilators were providing answers to pupils during toilet breaks.
The association says a clear message needs to be sent on the seriousness of the allegations and the consequences.
The general secretary of the NASGB, Matakanye Matakanye, says, "The National Association of School Governing Bodies has campaigned vigorously that school governing bodies must formulate a policy that bars children from bringing cellphones into schools – knowing that this will happen.
"It is possible if there is no clear policy that guides the children or that guides the school. How do we go about cell phones? It is easy for children to bring their cellphones into schools."
Warning for educators and learners
The Basic Education Department has warned that educators and learners who are found to have been involved in cheating during the recent matric examinations, could face severe punishment.
The department has launched an investigation into the allegations of cheating.
There have also been allegations of learners using various cheating methods in Maths Literacy, Economics and English papers. Most of the learners are believed to be from Gauteng, Limpopo, the North West, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
The spokesperson for the department, Elijah Mhlanga, says, "There could be criminal charges because in recent years we have been working with the Hawks on matters of irregularities involving exams. We are exploring all options to make sure that the punishment is severe and serves as a deterrent.
"If there is a WhatsApp group, it means that people are coordinating within that platform. Several things could happen: 1. They could be asked to rewrite. 2. They could be banned for 1-3 years from writing their exams, which means their lives would have to pause because of what they have done.
He adds that "Umalusi would make the final decision."
