The Department of Basic Education says its investigation into leaked matric exam papers in Tshwane will ensure that innocent learners are not unfairly implicated.
Seven Pretoria schools have been linked to the leak of the Mathematics, English Home Language and Physical Sciences papers. The department’s Exam Unit Director, Priscilla Ogunbanjo, said the probe will extend beyond the three subjects, with a sample of additional papers set to be reviewed.
Ogunbanjo confirmed that affected pupils will be interviewed and allowed to explain their involvement or lack thereof. Invigilators at the implicated schools will also be questioned to determine whether examination procedures were properly followed.
Investigators will use several methods to test the integrity of results, including comparing candidates’ performance in this year’s exams with their results from previous years. Ogunbanjo said this analysis would help identify any “anomalous patterns” that may indicate wrongdoing at a particular school.
She emphasised that the process is designed to protect learners who had no part in the leak. “We want to make sure that only candidates who are actually guilty are found guilty and those who are not, are not penalised,” she said.
The leak surfaced after markers in Gauteng flagged irregularities. The Gauteng Education Department then notified the national department. Early findings showed that 26 learners may have been compromised. Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has since confirmed that the papers were leaked by a Department of Basic Education employee who is also a parent of a matric pupil.
The investigation is ongoing, and the case has been handed over to police for further action.