By Levy Masiteng
Eight matric learners from three KwaZulu-Natal schools were allegedly denied the opportunity to write their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
The incidents involved Thokozamnganga High School in eNtshongweni, Shallcross Secondary School in the uMlazi District and Ntwenhle High School in Folweni.
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KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has condemned the incidents.
“The denial of an opportunity to write an examination is a serious matter that cannot be taken lightly,” Hlomuka said.
According to the provincial education department a learner from Thokozamnganga High School was allegedly prevented from writing her history exam last week because she had failed to attend a Saturday extra class.
At Shallcross Secondary School, six learners were allegedly denied the opportunity to write their Mathematics Literacy Paper 1 examination because their performance could compromise the school’s target of achieving a 100% pass rate.
The allegations follow a separate incident at Ntwenhle High School, where a learner was allegedly denied the opportunity to write her accounting exam.
“No learner should be made to feel that their future is at risk because they did not attend an extra class or because they may not achieve a distinction. Every learner deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities during examinations,” Hlomuka said.
He said that the department would investigate all three incidents to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine the appropriate action.
The department also pledged to provide support to affected learners to help restore their confidence and emotional well-being and ensure they could continue writing their exams in a supportive environment.
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In a report published by East Coast Radio, the mother of the affected learner at Ntwenhle High School, Andile Ndwandwe, said her daughter had prepared for the accounting examination but was allegedly prevented from writing it because of concerns about the school’s pass rate.
“She feels like her principal already said she’s a failure. Her hopes are shaken,” Ndwandwe said.
She said her daughter had studied until 3am in preparation for the exam and was devastated by the incident.
The mother called for an investigation and urged the department to ensure that her daughter could continue writing her remaining papers without fear of victimisation.
The KZN cases come amid a separate incident in the Free State, where a matric learner was allegedly prevented from writing an English examination because of outstanding school fees. That incident took place at Selelekela Secondary School in Qwa Qwa on 15 October.
The Free State Education Department confirmed that the school’s chief invigilator, who also serves as principal, had been suspended following the incident.
The learner received psychosocial support and was allowed to continue writing exams.
