Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, says that since COVID-19 they’ve picked up several new tricks that learners are using to cheat during examinations.
He says learners were caught hiding answers in their masks, smart watches and also on their medical scripts.
Lesufi was speaking during a media briefing in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, earlier on Tuesday.
“In the period of COVID-19, many learners tried their luck. Their masks are full of answers so we have to check each and every mask when they enter the examination centre. We also need to put extra measures because some they are sick but instead of their medication writing take 1 per day, some have the formula written. So, you will think they are taking their medication but they are copying the formula.”
Over 1 million learners sat for the matric examination last week Thursday – the largest group in the country’s history.
The department is administering a combined examination with both full-time and part-time learners.
Over 616 000 of those writing are full-time candidates that will sit for their final examination for the first time. The rest were meant to write exams in June, but those were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matric class of 2020 sits for final exams:
Meanwhile, Western Cape Government Authorities have met with the Principal of Brackenfell High and the School Governing Body following violent clashes outside the school on Monday.
Members of the EFF and parents confronted each other amid allegations of racism. This comes after a private celebration was held for matric learners and claims made that only white learners were invited.
A group of learners, parents and two educators are reported to have attended the event. The school is applying for an urgent interdict against members of the EFF in an effort to prevent further violence.
