Overview of the 2024 Examinations
The 2024 National Senior Certificate examinations have been marked by a series of incidents, as Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube reported during a media briefing at Parliament in Cape Town. Delivering an update alongside Deputy Minister Dr. Reginah Mhaule, Gwarube addressed the few irregularities detected since the exams commenced on October 21.
Incidents and Infractions
According to Gwarube, a very small number of learners were found in possession of cellphones and crib notes, which were confiscated and are currently under investigation. In total, 104 of the 181 question papers have been completed, accounting for 58% of the examination schedule. The examination process has not been entirely smooth, with several external factors impacting specific schools.
Security Measures and Consequences
Challenges such as taxi strikes, protest actions, power outages, and adverse weather conditions prompted schools to implement contingency measures, ensuring all affected students could still write their exams. Notably, several security incidents occurred during the initial 12 days of the examinations; two imposters were arrested for attempting to take the exams on behalf of registered candidates, while one candidate was detained due to involvement in an armed robbery case. Education Director General Hubert Mathanzima Mweli confirmed that students found guilty of examination irregularities would face severe consequences, including a potential three-year ban from future examinations.