Matric exams: Western Cape students found with cheating materials
Nine candidates in the Western Cape were found bringing cellphones and crib notes into their matric exam venues.
The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that nine candidates have been caught with cheating materials since the start of the 2024 matric exams.
The exams started on 21 October and candidates will write the last paper on 28 November.
WESTERN CAPE MATRIC LEARNERS CAUGHT WITH CELLPHONES AND CRIBE NOTES
Western Cape Education minister David Maynier said that while no reported incidents of paper leaks have been reported, they remind matric candidates to report any information they receive about suspected leaks.
“Unfortunately, our sharp-eyed invigilators have already encountered 9 cases of candidates bringing either cell phones or crib notes into the exam venue,” he said.
Maynier said that before the exams began, all matric candidates were asked to sign a commitment agreement that spells out the rules of the matric exams and the consequences of breaking them.
“It is signed by both the candidate and their parent or guardian so that both acknowledge that they are aware of the rules and the consequences.
“Every candidate must carefully check their pockets for notes or cell phones before they sit down to write, as “forgetting” that they are carrying these items is unfortunately not an excuse,” Maynier said.
EDUCATION MINISTER SAYS EXAMS ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY
This week, Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube said that so far, the administration of this year’s National Senior Certificate exams has been progressing well.
“These exams mark a critical milestone for our learners, who have spent years working toward this moment, and I am pleased to say that, so far, our systems are holding up well under the pressure,” Gwarube said.
The minister said they are encouraged by the overall success of the exams thus far, they are also mindful of the need to adapt to unforeseen challenges, particularly those related to the environment and climate.
“Recent storms in areas like Bushbuckridge and flooding in parts of the Eastern Cape have impacted some learners’ ability to sit their exams as scheduled. In response, the department quickly implemented alternative arrangements, including the use of alternative venues and the rescheduling of exams to later dates,” Gwarube said.