By OBAKENG MAJE
The Grade 12 learners from Reivilo High School in Taung, who were allegedly found guilty of engaging in irregular practices to obtain an unfair advantage during the writing of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, said it is devastating to be in limbo, while waiting for a decision from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
It is alleged that accounting learners cheated and the North West Department of Education withheld their results. However, one of the affected learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, alleged that even though they cheated during the final examinations, teachers were also involved.
“The question paper was leaked by certain teachers and we had to fork R3000 per learner. So, I’m still sitting at home without knowing my fate. It is true that our results were withheld and the department said, we will only be eligible to write the accounting question paper in November 2025.
“We are prohibited from writing the subject for two years. They said we will only be allowed to write the November 2024 examination, once the sanction period has expired,” she said.
She said this has affected her livelihoods because she does not know what the future holds for her anymore. According to the learner, nothing has been done to those teachers who were implicated in cheating, but only learners were forced to bear the brunt.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “Remember, this particular issue lies with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) now. They are the ones in charge and investigating it. So, that means as the MEC affected, I must find ways to write to the DBE and request a final report on the matter. Indeed, this issue deals with the future of Grade 12 learners, who were affected including teachers who were implicated.
“So, we must find closure as a matter of urgency, more especially as we prepare for the National Senior Certificate examinations for 2024 academic year. We need to make sure that this matter reaches its finality.”
The Guardian 