More than one million learners are participating in the 2023 end-of-year national examinations. This includes learners under the jurisdiction of multiple assessment bodies, including private and public bodies.
At the time of the media briefing on 13 October 2023, several of the assessment bodies were still busy finalising their candidate numbers. Taking the revised figures into account, the 2023 end-of-year examinations will be administered to approximately 1.2 million candidates distributed as follows:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): 919 545
- National Certificate (Vocational) Levels 2-4: 135 897
- NATED Report 190/191 N2: 36 929
- NATED Report 190/191 N3: 29 316
- General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training (GETC: ABET): 56 068
Promoting Accountability
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has warned candidates against cheating in the upcoming examinations. Every year, candidates in the province sign two important documents: the matric pledge and a commitment agreement.
The matric pledge is a promise to study well, follow exam rules, and report any cheating they see. The commitment agreement explains the rules and their consequences. Both candidates and their parents sign it to show they understand the rules and consequences.
Candidates have been warned that breaking these rules has serious consequences. Candidates' results can be cancelled, and they could even be banned from participating in future exams. Candidates who are involved in leaking exam question papers could face criminal charges.
The candidates' results could be nullified, and they could even be barred from writing one to three subsequent examinations, delaying their post-school employment and education. If a candidate is found to be involved in the leakage of any examination question paper, they could face criminal prosecution.
Candidates must check for notes or phones before the exam. The WCED reminded candidates that forgetting notes or phones in their pocket is not an excuse. Last year, 33 matric candidates were caught with notes or phones.
Given the severity of these consequences, the message is clear: cheating is simply not worth it.
The department called on learners to study hard for the upcoming exams and wished them well as they prepare for the examinations.
