Nkandla matric registration blunder blame game

WHO is responsible for the registration error which prevented three matric pupils from writing their final examination at Nkandla?

This is the main focus of the investigation by the Department of Education after the pupils of Bhilibana High School were denied writing some of their exams owing to an administrative error.

Before the examinations commenced, Nondumiso Nontobeko Masango (20), Samkelisiwe Mkhanazi (20) and Busisiwe Thandeka Majola (23) were apparently informed by the principal to go back home as their names did not appear on the 2017 list of matriculants.

ALSO READ: Special graduation for disabled eSikhaleni students

Not only did the incident shock the learners, who are still adamant they registered along with their classmates earlier this year, it also raised a question about the negligence of public officials.

According to the director of the Department of Education in King Cetshwayo District, David Chonco, an investigation is underway and answers should surface soon.

ALSO READ: eSikhaleni learner found guilty of murder

‘Lawyers are now involved, which makes it difficult for us to disclose all the information, but this matter was reported to us and we are treating it as of high importance.

‘We are already at the final stages of the investigation and answers will be revealed,’ said Chonco.

Even though the pupils have been asked to write the remaining subjects, their angry parents are seeking answers to what really happened during the registration.

According to devastated father Mhlonipheni Masango, not only has the department sent them from pillar to post regarding the matter but they are uncertain about the future of their children.

‘Being asked to come back after such a disappointment is an insult. Not only were our children ready to write but their dreams were also crushed,’ he said.

‘They are apparently supposed to write the supplementary exams in February but no one has come and explained these things to us. Our children have been deprived of the opportunity to write their exams and this has put a huge dent in their confidence.

‘Now they have to study during the holidays instead of getting ready to further their studies. They will lose a whole year while their classmates enter tertiary education,’ said Masango.

ALSO READ: Lightning has struck an admin building at a primary school in central Empangeni

‘We want whoever made a mistake to be disciplined and be used as an example to others. We are talking about the future of our children, who are suffering because someone didn’t do their job properly,’

Masango said they demand the department to provide counselling for their children.

The three girls are now back in school and writing their remaining subjects.