The KZ Education Department (DoE) is conducting an investigation at Shalkross secondary school following reports that six matriculation class graduates were allegedly denied the opportunity to take the Mathematical Literacy, Part 1 exam in order to maintain the school's one hundred percent pass rate.
Sipo Emmanuel Khlumuka, Minister of the KZ Education Department, expressed serious concern over reports that matriculation graduates were refused the right to take the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in three schools in the province.
He stated in a declaration that the two other schools mentioned in the reports are Tokozamnganga High School in Hillcrest and Ntvenle High School in Folweni, near Isipingo.
At Tokozamnganga High School, a student was allegedly denied the opportunity to take the history exam last week because she did not attend supplementary classes held on Saturday. Khlumuka noted that at Ntvenle High School, a student was also denied the opportunity to take the accounting exam.
"We condemn these incidents, emphasizing that no student should be deprived of the opportunity to take an exam as a punitive measure or due to concerns about the overall school pass rate. Refusal to take an exam is a serious matter that cannot be taken lightly. Supplementary classes are intended to provide students with additional academic support and should never be used as a punitive measure that jeopardizes their right to take exams."
He added that no one should be made to feel that their future is threatened because they missed supplementary classes or because they might not receive distinctions. "Every student deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities during exams. The Department will conduct investigations into all incident reports to establish the circumstances related to the allegations and determine the appropriate measures to be taken."