A group of grade 12 learners have fallen ill and were hospitalised while writing their final exams.

North West Education Department spokesperson Mphata Molokwane said arrangements were made so that they could write their exams in hospitals. Some were caught with notes just before the exams started. The department has cautioned serious consequences of committing irregularities.

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi urged all learners to focus on their studies and avoid any activities that could jeopardise their results. “I (want) to emphasise to our learners once more that irregularities will not be tolerated, and learners who are caught cheating will be subjected to disciplinary action.

DG @HubertMweli continues to engage Grade 12 learners from the Bojanala District in the North West province. They are attending winter classes as part of preparations for their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) #exams.@DBE_SA @ElijahMhlanga @ReginahMhaule pic.twitter.com/aunP4ME5vL

— @DBETVNews (@dbetvnews) June 24, 2023

“We are committed to ensure that all learners have a fair and equitable opportunity to perform their best in the examinations therefore copying is a violation of exam rules.  We are grateful to all teachers, principals, and other staff members who are working hard to ensure the examinations are conducted smoothly and efficiently,” Motsumi said. 

OFM News previously reported that disgruntled residents in a village near the Mahikeng recently blocked the roads, which affected the distribution of question papers. 

This was before 46,395 matric pupils were supposed to write English paper 1 across 448 examination centres on Monday (30/10).

On Tuesday (14/11), candidates wrote Geography First Paper and Business Studies Second Paper. On Wednesday, they will write the English Home, First and Second Additional Language Second Paper in the morning and Engineering Graphics and Design Second Paper in the afternoon. 

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane Daphné/Corné /Morné/Dane