KZN implicated in matric cheating scandal
Monitoring body Umalusi says there have been a number of cases of group copying during the department of basic education's matric exams in four provinces.
Umalusi Council chairperson Professor John Volmink told reporters in Pretoria that a total of 26 alleged cases of group copying were reported in four provinces Gauteng (6) , KwaZulu-Natal (12), Limpopo (1) and Mpumalanga (7).
"This year has seen a number of new schools being implicated in group copying. We also acknowledge the significant reduction in the number of alleged cases of group copying compared to 2014. It is worth noting that detection of these irregularities attests to a very functional and vigilant system," said Volmink.
Results from the affected centres won't be released as investigations were still ongoing.
"We want to extend a serious warning to those who are implicated that drastic measures will be taken against them," he said.
Volmink said Umalusi was concerned about the leakage of exam papers and called for harsher punishment for guilty parties. Problems were encountered in Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
The leakage started in Limpopo and spilled into the two other provinces, compromising both Life Sciences papers.
"Umalusi is very concerned about this trend and takes the view that strong action must be taken against those learners and officials who have made themselves guilty of these acts of dishonesty," Volmink said.
"Umalusi will therefore not approve the release of the results of all the identified culprits in the Vhembe District, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The investigation is still continuing."
Nineteen candidates in the Vhembe District, three candidates in Mpumalanga, and four candidates in Gauteng were implicated in the leakage.
(File photo: Gallo Images)