The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is investigating allegations that learners at three schools in the province were prevented 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 barred from writing her History examination last week for failing to attend extra classes held on a Saturday.
In a separate 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.
Another learner at Ntwenhle High School was also allegedly prevented from writing an Accounting examination.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has condemned the alleged incidents, emphasising that no learner should be denied the right to write an examination.
Hlomuka says extra classes are intended to provide additional academic support and should never be used as a form of punishment that compromises learners' right to complete their examinations.
He says learners should not be made to feel that their future is at risk because they failed to attend extra classes or may not achieve a distinction.
The department says investigations into the allegations are under way and will determine what action should be taken.