The Department of Basic Education and Training (DBE) has launched a full investigation into alleged examination cheating by Grade 12 learners in the Mpumalanga province.
It was reported that approximately 370 matric learners in the province were part of a WhatsApp group chat where exam answers were shared.
Reports revealed that matric learners allegedly paid teachers to be added to the WhatsApp group, where material and answers were posted while examinations were in session.
Additionally, it is reported that educators provided answers to learners during toilet breaks and even passed crib notes to them in exam halls.
Basic education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga has confirmed that a teacher has been suspended for allegedly sharing exam answers with hundreds of learners.
The department has called on any individuals that have participated in the irregularities to come forward and assist the department during its investigation.
Parents and learners have raised concerns on the steps forward, as the credibility of their results was now put into question and as a result have called on the department to give matric learners an opportunity to rewrite the affected exam papers.
Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta says that the department should lay a charge whereby the matters can be addressed by a court of law as it is a criminal offence to leak matric examination papers.
“This will affect not only the children of Mpumalanga, but it will affect all of us. At this point there may be many candidates who are beginning to panic because they do not know what the future holds," says Makaneta.
He says the department must ensure that learners who were not involved in the alleged cheating are protected and that they are not disadvantaged adding that it is the minority who are subjected to the leakage and should be held accountable.
“We must also applaud government for putting in place measures to make sure that the exam sessions of 2022 were able run smoothly and under a conducive environment.”
Makaneta said that it is clear the learners in Mpumalanga were manipulated by the teachers who had access to the exam papers and answers, and therefore should be allowed to rewrite the affected papers.
The department stated that once the investigation is completed, appropriate action would be taken.
