The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has revealed that they received reports of at least 14 matric candidates, allegedly carrying cell phones or crib notes into their exam venues.
Crib notes and the use of cell phones are strictly prohibited in examinations. The WCED says all the incidents reported to them will be thoroughly investigated.
Candidates will also be allowed to make representations to a hearing following the exam session. The candidate will also have the opportunity to appeal the finding from the hearing if they do not agree with the assessment from the provincial education department.
The WCED said the detection of these irregularities demonstrates the effectiveness of their monitoring processors. They explained that matric exam invigilators have been well-trained to monitor learners during exams.
This clearly demonstrates that our monitoring processes are working and that our invigilators are well-trained to keep a close eye on the conduct of candidates during the exam.
The department has called on learners to ensure they are not carrying any material into the examination venue which could be used to cheat.
Candidates must check their pockets for notes or cell phones before they sit down to write as “forgetting” they were carrying these items cannot be used as an excuse.
“The candidate risks being disqualified if found guilty, and potentially barred from up to three future exam sessions” warned the WCED.
The department has also called on learners to report any information they receive about suspected question paper leaks. While none have been detected so far in the 2022 NSC exams, two examination papers leaked in the 2021 final exams.
Learners involved in exam leaks may face consequences, even if they did not cheat. They may be forced to rewrite exams through no fault of their own.
