**Decrease in Exam Cheating but Persistent Concerns**
Umalusi, South Africa’s education quality watchdog, revealed that 407 learners were caught cheating during the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. This marked a significant decrease from 945 cases reported in 2023. Despite the improvement, Umalusi remains concerned, particularly as Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to report the highest number of cheating incidents.
Dr. Mafu Rakometsi, CEO of Umalusi, highlighted these recurring issues during a briefing. “It is worrying that Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal remain at the top of the list for exam cheating,” he said.
**Statistics on Cheating**
In 2024, over 800,000 matriculants sat for the NSC exams. Of the 407 learners caught cheating, 195 were from KwaZulu-Natal and 74 from Mpumalanga. These figures underscore the need for stricter monitoring and improved teaching and learning environments in these regions.
The watchdog also pointed out other challenges in the education system, such as high absenteeism rates and specific subjects with unusually high failure rates. “These issues raise concerns about the level of support candidates receive in their learning and examination preparation,” Umalusi noted.
**Changes to Publishing Matric Results**
In November 2024, the Information Regulator banned the Department of Basic Education from publishing matric results in newspapers. The Department has since appealed the decision and announced plans to publish results in local newspapers despite the ban. The Regulator fined the Department R5 million for non-compliance.
**Investigations into Leaked Matric Results**
In a related development, the Hawks and State Security are investigating allegations of leaked matric results. Reports suggest a company offered matriculants their results for R100 each, prompting an internal probe. Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube assured the public that, if the leak originated within the Department, there would be consequences.
**Persistent Challenges in Education**
These incidents reflect broader issues in the South African education system, including a lack of effective oversight and unequal access to resources. While Umalusi acknowledges the reduction in cheating cases, it emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
**Looking Forward**
Efforts are underway to address these challenges, with Umalusi calling for improved examination protocols and support systems for learners. Stakeholders in education are urged to collaborate to ensure a fair and transparent examination process, which is vital for maintaining the credibility of the NSC exams.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the ongoing investigations and the resolution of the matric results publishing dispute, the focus remains on creating an equitable education system that supports learners and upholds integrity.