Within the first week of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, 14 pupils were reportedly been caught with cellphones and crib notes putting their future examination prospects in jeopardy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of the Department of Basic Education, any pupil found guilty of such offenses may be disqualified to write the exams and also barred for up to three future exam sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier had condemned the alleged behaviour but praised the invigilators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He believes the incident \u201cclearly demonstrates\u201d that their monitoring processes are working, and that \u201cour invigilators are well-trained to keep a close eye on the conduct of candidates\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, 15 pupils were found guilty of having cellphones and seven with crib notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2020, 10 pupils were found guilty of being in possession of cellphones and eight with crib notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year, 12 pupils were found guilty of having cellphones and 13 with crib notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maynier said: \u201cEach reported incident will be thoroughly investigated and the candidate in question is given the opportunity to make representations to a hearing following the exam session. The candidate will also have the opportunity to appeal the finding from the hearing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said candidates cannot claim to be unaware of the rules, as they were required to sign a Commitment Agreement before the beginning of the exam session which outlined the rules of the exams and the consequences of being caught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manier said it was imperative that candidates carefully check their pockets for notes or cellphones before they sit down to write, as \u201cforgetting\u201d that they were carrying these items is unfortunately not an excuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maynier said the candidate risks being disqualified if found guilty and potentially barred from up to three future exam sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCheating is simply not worth it!\u201d he stated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maynier said while they have not had any reported incidents of paper leaks, they would like to remind pupils to report any information they receive about suspected leaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis was also covered in the Commitment Agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is important to stress that being involved in exam leaks can have consequences for other pupils who did not cheat, too, as they might have to rewrite the paper through no fault of their own,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maynier appealed for the protection of pupils to ensure they have a fair chance in the exams and for the process not to be compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n