26 schools in Bohlabela implicated in matric exam cheating scandal

The matric results of the learners from the 26 schools in Bohlabela that are implicated in the alleged matric cheating scandal, will be blocked, according to the Umalusi Council.

The preliminary report on the alleged cheating scandal by Mpumalanga 2022 matric learners and teachers, shows that these irregularities are limited to these schools in Bohlabela.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) presented this investigation report to the executive committee (Exco) of the Umalusi Council on January 12.

The Umalusi Council’s senior manager of public relations and communications, Biki Lepota, said, “Based on the content, Exco directed that, in respect of identified irregularities, the DBE is required to block the results of all candidates implicated in irregularities, including the ones who are implicated in the alleged acts of dishonesty, pending the outcome of the investigations and verification by Umalusi.”

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“The results of the learners that are implicated, will be blocked and candidates will be called to hearings so that they could be given a chance to defend themselves. Based on the magnitude of the offences, different sanctions will be meted against the candidates, including the nullification of the specific subject results, barring the candidates from writing the examination for either one or more examination cycles. A notice has been included in the statement of results that indicates that if any evidence or new evidence emerges post the release of the results of involvement of the candidate in an irregularity, the candidate’s results will be withdrawn pending the outcome of the investigation.”

When asked about the teachers involved in this scandal, he said, “The DBE has been directed to put through disciplinary processes the invigilators found conflicted by being involved in advantaging learners unlawfully and submit a report to Umalusi on the action taken against officials implicated in the irregularities.”

When the news of the alleged cheating broke last year, the Mpumalanga Department of Education released a statement confirming that an investigation is under way. In its statement it said the probe will be undertaken in collaboration with the DBE.

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At the time, the education department said it views the allegations of cheating reported at some centres in the Manyeleti Circuit in Bohlabela very seriously.

According to reports, a whistle-blower alleged that 370 Grade 12 learners from three Mpumalanga schools had received answers to papers from teachers during their exams. Allegedly, the teachers were paid as much as R1 500 to send the correct answers to some learners on a WhatsApp group chat. This practice has allegedly been termed the “Road to Varsity”.

Last year, the education department said it would await the outcome of the investigation before determining the cause of action to be undertaken going forward.