Education dept refutes reports of widespread exam cheating scandal

The Department of Basic Education has refuted claims that it has launched an investigation into allegations of cheating in the 2022 National Senior Certificate exams in at least six provinces.

Over the weekend it was reported that 1 189 pupils from across six provinces, including 1 127 pupils believed to be from schools in Mpumalanga alone, were involved in the exam leak.

Cheating

The scandal reportedly included WhatsApp groups on which pupils could pay teachers up to R1 500 to share answers while exams were in session and during toilet breaks.

Basic Education Department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the department has noted with disappointment a news article published by News24 on 11 December 2022.

Misleading reports

“The department urges members of the public to be aware that the article contains incorrect information. The article is inaccurate, misleading and it is fabrication which is no different to fake news.”

However, Mhlanga has confirmed the department is probing cheating in one province.

“The department can confirm that there is an investigation in one circuit in Mpumalanga, anything else is pure lies, if not, fake news designed to tarnish the examinations.

“The journalist has confused rewrite opportunities offered to candidates in Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Western Cape, based on valid reasons, as cases of cheating,” he said.

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Rewriting exams

Meanwhile, education activist Hendrick Makaneta said Mpumalanga learners, who cheated during exams, should be given a chance to re-write whilst disciplinary measures are underway.

“The call for a rewrite is informed by the fact that the results are likely to be announced in January 2023 and there should be no delays in the announcement because of the scandal in Mpumalanga. It is disturbing that the few candidates in Mpumalanga failed to adhere to the pledge they signed.”

Teaacher condemned

Makaneta has condemned the teacher who allegedly leaked answers to learners.

“Teachers have a duty to ensure that examinations are administered in a manner that allows fairness for all the candidates.”

“The suspension of the said teacher, who was also a Deputy Chief invigilator shows that the department is leaving no stone unturned in fighting dishonesty and maladministration within the sector,” he said.

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