Staff Writer
Education MEC Debbie Schafer has cautioned Grade 12 pupils against cheating in the forthcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
The matric exams start on Tuesday.
Schafer said: “In particular, I should like to take this opportunity to caution all candidates writing against cheating in these examinations. Cheating can result in serious consequences such as being banned for writing the NSC up to three years.
“In the coming days, candidates across the province will be signing a voluntary pledge that, among other things, shows their commitment to comply with all rules and regulations relevant to the NSC exams.”
She said the pledge stated that the candidate would uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in the exam.
Schafer said last year eight candidates were disqualified because of “irregularities”, with some candidates making use of cellphones to crib.
She said five candidates were found to be in possession of a cellphone last year while writing their exams. These pupils had to suspend writing the exam until this year.
Another was found also using his cellphone “unlawfully” and was barred from writing the exam for two years.
Yet another candidate was found in possession of crib notes and was also barred from writing his exam for two years while another used inappropriate language in his exam script and was allowed to write his exam along with candidates who wrote the supplementary exam last March.
“While this is a significant decrease from the 17 cases reported in 2012, it still meant that eight learners could not pass their NSC because of the wrong choices that they made. Cheating is a serious offence and the penalties, as per the NSC regulations, are severe.
“The results of a candidate found with crib notes or carrying any electronic devices can be declared null and void.”
She said when the candidate’s results were declared null and void, the result for the specific subject was marked as irregular (null and void) but the candidate would receive results for the other subjects as well as a letter informing the candidate about the irregularity that occurred and the penalty imposed.
The candidate would not receive a National Senior Certificate until she/he rewrote the subject and applied for a combination of results, she said.
Schafer said disqualified pupils could be barred from writing the exam for between one and three years. This would have obvious effects on the candidate’s future study plans and opportunities.
Umalusi, the exam quality watchdog, has also declared the South African exam system ready for this year.
Spokesman Lucky Ditaunyane said: “Almost every year Umalusi becomes aware of one irregularity or another, and every year we strive to improve our systems so that we can continue to close down any gaps or spaces where such events can occur.”