Cape Town – The 2024 matric examinations in the Western Cape have seen a concerning early trend: nine learners have already been caught cheating. The Western Cape Education Department confirmed the incidents, which occurred in the first weeks of the exams, running from 21 October to 28 November.
Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier revealed that while no exam paper leaks have been reported, invigilators have been vigilant in detecting attempts at cheating. "Unfortunately, our sharp-eyed invigilators have already encountered 9 cases of candidates bringing either cell phones or crib notes into the exam venue,” he stated.
Minister Maynier stressed the importance of the pre-exam commitment agreement signed by each candidate and their parent or guardian.
"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," he explained.
He further emphasised personal responsibility, stating, “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,” he added.
Despite these isolated incidents of cheating, the overall administration of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams has been progressing smoothly, according to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. She reported that the systems are holding up well under pressure, describing the exams as a "critical milestone" for learners.
Minister Gwarube acknowledged the significant effort and dedication learners have invested in their studies, leading up to these crucial examinations.
"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,” she commented.
However, the ministers also acknowledged the challenges posed by unforeseen circumstances, particularly those related to the environment and climate change. Severe weather events have impacted some learners' ability to write their exams as scheduled.
"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,” Minister Gwarube explained.
