Durban - Students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal are furious after being told they would have to rewrite their psychology exam after four papers were leaked.
"It is absolutely ridiculous that we have to suffer the consequences of people, who are too lazy to study and resort to such measures," one irate student told POST.
"Why must we re-write when we put in the effort and the hours to ensure we get through. If you are not serious about what you are doing, why do it at all?"
More than 1 000 students sat down to write their third years papers - Psyc320, Psyc301, Psyc343 and Psyc322 from October 31 to November 8 - all in vain.
A 22-year-old third year student from oThongathi (Tongaat) said she had spent hours studying in the university library, sacrificing time with her friends and family just so she could get through the excessive amount of study material.
"I take my studies really seriously and it is physically and emotionally exhausting to have to go through the entire process again."
Another student who sat down for the exam said he had plans with his family in Johannesburg and was planning to leave by the end of the week.
“I was so looking forward to my well-deserved break in Midrand with my aunt and uncle. I literally had my bags packed weeks ago. But I guess this has to be placed on the back burner since we have to go through the whole exam process again."
The 21-year-old student from Westville said while he can understand why the university has taken the decision, he cannot understand how an institution as large as UKZN allowed the leak to happen at all.
“We pay thousands in university fees so we can get the best form of education and professionalism the province has to offer but all we get is disappointment. My parents are sacrificing so much just to send me to university and all I want to do is to make them proud. I just hope this is the last time something like this happens.”
Normah Zondo, the university's executive director of corporate relations, said an immediate investigation confirmed that the examination papers were circulated on social media.
"In terms of the university’s contingency plans and in fairness to all students, the leaked papers in question were cancelled and new papers have been prepared.
"In the interest of maintaining academic integrity, all affected psychology students will have to rewrite the examinations," Zondo said.
"Supplementary examinations will be available to the students as per prevailing policy. Going forward, we have taken the necessary steps to ensure the examination process has been secured."
She said it was unfortunate the situation had caused anxiety for students, parents, academics and administrators but they had to act in the interest of students.
"We believe a rewrite best serves this purpose."
Zondo said those responsible were yet to be found but authorities were moving quickly to identify them.
"Once this happens, we will be following established disciplinary procedures. It is regrettable that a small number of people have added to the stress of this year’s examinations. We have taken corrective action to ensure the fairness of the examination process."