At the start of the 2023 matric exams the Western Cape Education Department wishes to issue a stern warning to candidates regarding cheating and bringing notes or cellphones into their exam sittings.
Every year matric candidates are asked to sign two documents, a matric pledge and a commitment agreement.
In the matric pledge they promise to dedicate themselves to their studies towards their exams and do their very best to follow its rules.
They are also expected to report any contravention of the rules they become aware of. The commitment agreement spells the rules in detail as well as the consequences for breaking them.
It is signed by both the candidate and their parent or guardian, so both acknowledge they are aware of the rules and their consequences.
The document also lists the various responsibilities of both the candidate and their parents.
These documents are to be taken very seriously, as the consequences of breaking the rules are severe.
The candidate’s results could be nullified, and they could even be barred from writing one to three subsequent examinations, delaying their post-school employment and education.
And if a candidate is found to be involved in the leak of any examination question paper they could face criminal prosecution.
David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, said it is imperative that candidates carefully check their pockets for notes or cellphones before sitting down to write, since “forgetting” they were carrying these items is quite simply not considered a proper excuse.
“Despite the warnings, 33 candidates were found in possession of crib notes or cellphones during the November exams last year,” he said.
“We do not want to see this happen again this year. Given the severity of these consequences the message is clear: cheating is simply not worth it.”
Maynier said matrics will be much better off working hard on their revision for the next few weeks instead, “and we wish them all the best as they make their final preparations.”
