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Faizel Patel – 15/02/2021

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

The National Executive Committee of Umalusi has approved the release of the 2020 matric results, but says the results of candidates involved in irregularities must be blocked pending further investigations by the Basic Education Department.

Umalusi the body that assess matric examination results was briefing the media on Monday.

The results for over one million candidates have met the quality assurance standards of Umalusi and have been approved for release next week Tuesday.

Chairperson of Umalusi Professor John Volmink says there were no systematic irregularities that could have compromised the quality of the papers.

“The executive committee of council approves the release of the DBE results of the November 2020 NSC examinations based on available evidence that the examinations were administered in accordance with the examination policies and regulations in respect of the generally identified irregularities.”

Professor Volmink says there are concerns over the leaking of the maths and science papers and that group copying involved 893 candidates

He says according to the findings of the investigation, 236 candidates, who are mostly top achievers, were allegedly involved in the Mathematics question paper sent via a WhatsApp group adding that of these, 135 learners belonged to a chat group where one of the candidates sent two sets of questions weighing five marks each asking for help in solving the problems.

“The DBE is required to block the results of candidates implicated in the general irregularities including the candidates involved in group copying pending the outcome of further DBE investigations and Umalusi verification and the tighten the security at all levels  to secure that there are no leakages of question papers.”

Volmink says students found guilty in the leakage of exam papers could still have their certificates blocked even after the results have been announced.

Umalusi also approved the 2020 matric results administered by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) but block the results of learners involved in irregularities.

Listen to the presentation by Professor John Volmink.