The Free State Department of Education has launched a probe into alleged cheating incidents by four candidates during the ongoing Gr. 12 examinations. According to the department, there are 35 653 full-time and 8 351 part-time candidates writing in the province.
The examination officially started on 24 October, with about 3 655 candidates writing subjects such as Computer Application Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT). The majority started on 30 October.
Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the provincial education department has confirmed probing into two incidents of irregularities involving four culprits during examinations last week. He said these were the only irregularities thus far, adding that officials remain on high alert to ensure the credibility of the exam by dealing with any arising irregularities.
“Thus far, four cases of serious irregularities have been reported. Two candidates were found in possession of cellphones in the exam rooms and the other two candidates were found in possession of crib notes (unauthorised material). Investigations related to the above cases are ongoing and once concluded, the implicated candidates will be subjected to formal hearings,” said Ndaba.
He said the conduct and administration, as well as the management of the 2023 examination, was going according to plan.
“Our examination sessions are being monitored to support and ensure compliance in our examination centres,” said Ndaba.
The department held a ceremony on 20 October for learners writing their matric final exams, signing a pledge, committing themselves to not cheat. The provincial department has set the target of a 90% pass rate, with a 40% admission to a bachelor’s degree, to improve on last year’s overall of 88.5 %.
Relating to the compliance of the exams and the credibility thereof, Mxolisi Dukwana, Free State premier, encouraged the multitudes of Gr. 12 learners writing their final examinations to take their time and make the correct decisions in achieving their ultimate goals. He was speaking on the line of addressing the 313 matric learners of the Kagisho Secondary School in Bloemfontein on 30 October.
