On Friday, 19 January 2024, learners around the country received their matric results. The matric results did not only represent how they performed in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, but also the culmination of 12 years of school.
The results achieved by learners in the NSC exams are used to apply to institutions of higher learning like universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or apply for jobs.
88 learners at the EJ Singwane Secondary School in Pienaar, Mpumalanga unfortunately cannot do this as their matric results are being withheld by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The DBE’s Elijah Mhlanga says results achieved by the learners at the school are being investigated due to suspected group copying. They are calling for parents to be patient while the investigation is completed.
If anyone has their results withheld they need to remember that the department is still engaged in an investigation to establish whether indeed an irregularity of a serious nature took place or whether that person can be cleared
The National Association of School Governing Bodies expressed concern regarding the withholding of results but acknowledged limited control over the investigative process.
SGB President Elphus Maseko explained that Umalusi, the quality assurance body, is a section 9 institution which means they are independent from the control of the department. Umalusi instructed examination bodies to block the results of learners implicated in irregularities.
What usually happens is that they take their time, up until such time even the department cannot direct them on what to do, they are the only people who are holding the last word on this issue.
Maseko acknowledged that it may be a while before this matter is resolved.
Parents, unfortunately, will have to wait because what might have happened might take the whole year.
Parents of affected learners are calling for the stakeholders to expedite the investigation. They are concerned that learners may lose their place at tertiary education institutions for the 2024 academic year.
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