DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is investigating allegations that learners at three schools in the province were barred from writing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
In the first incident, a matric learner at Thokozamnganga High School in eNtshongweni, under the Pinetown District, was allegedly prevented from writing her history examination last week because she had not attended extra classes held on a Saturday.
In a second incident, six learners at Shallcross Secondary School in the uMlazi District were allegedly denied the opportunity to write mathematics literacy paper 1. The learners were reportedly told that their performance could jeopardise the school’s target of achieving a 100% pass rate.
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At Ntwenhle High School, another learner was allegedly prevented from writing the accounting examination.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka condemned the alleged incidents, stressing that no learner should be denied the opportunity to write an examination.
“The denial of an opportunity to write an examination is a serious matter that cannot be taken lightly. Extra classes are intended to provide additional academic support to learners and must never be used as a punitive measure that compromises their right to complete their examinations.
“No learner should be made to feel that their future is at risk because they did not attend extra classes or because they may not achieve a distinction.”
The department said investigations were under way and would determine the appropriate action to be taken.
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