Matric exams: ‘Imposter’ found writing exam in KZN, absenteeism in Gauteng

South Africa’s Class of 2023 has officially embarked on their matric exams, with the first week bringing to light a mix of successes and concerns across various districts.

The education department and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to maintain the integrity of these critical examinations. However, Jacaranda FM reported absenteeism has raised concerns.

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said in Tshwane West, eight candidates approached officials, stating they were unprepared to write. Furthermore, two candidates didn’t appear for their exams, with their whereabouts unknown. Additionally, three candidates were hospitalized due to health issues and were unable to write.

In Ekurhuleni South, most full-time candidates successfully took their exams. However, a candidate was apprehended with a cell phone at the exam centre, a breach of exam rules. Such violations may result in disqualification in the subject in question, affecting their final results.

Part-time candidates across all districts also showed a concerning rate of absenteeism, raising questions about the commitment of some students to their matric exams.

READ ALSO: Matric exams get under way for the Class of 2023

Cheating attempt foiled

TimesLive reported an invigilator at Phendukani Full Service High School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, noticed an attempt at cheating.

An “impostor” was discovered writing a matric paper on behalf of a part-time student.

This incident was immediately reported to the police, and KwaZulu-Natal education MEC Mbali Frazer strongly condemned the act.

He added that the attempt to undermine the integrity of the exams raised concerns, especially in one of the best-performing schools in the province. Matriculants at the school were taking the two-hour economics paper and foreign languages in the form of Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, modern Greek, Serbian, Spanish, Latin, and Portuguese during their exam sessions.

READ ALSO: Security measures in place as Matric exams kicks off

Commitment to exam integrity

The South African Department of Education emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of matriculation exams.

Officials have reminded candidates of the commitments they made when signing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pledge, urging them to adhere to exam rules and regulations diligently.

READ ALSO: Nearly 40% of those who started didn’t get to matric in 2023

Security and violence concerns

SABC News reported the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety had urged law enforcement agencies to work closely with education officials to prevent irregularities, intimidation, and violence during the matric exams.

Reports of violence in some townships have prompted concerns about their potential impact on the Grade 12 examinations.

The committee called for enhanced security measures around exam venues and a swift response to any potential incidents that could compromise the integrity and credibility of these crucial examinations.

Over 700,000 full-time candidates are participating in the National Senior Certificate final examinations, with the support and well-wishes of Education Minister Angie Motshekga for a successful exam season.