The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has finalised preparations for the rewrite of the life sciences exams in the Vhembe District of Limpopo.

The rewriting of these papers will only be in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. The rest of the provinces Grade 12 learners have finished with the NSC examinations and can use this time to rest and recuperate after the busy school year.

This decision to rewrite the examination in the Vhembe District was taken after it was confirmed that a copy of the 2015 National Senior Certificate examination paper for Life Sciences was circulated amongst some learners before the commencement of the examination.

The DBE immediately established an investigation team comprising the South African Qualifications Authority, University of South Africa, Umalusi and the DBE. The investigation team has covered much ground. A criminal investigation was also initiated, as the NSC examinations are protected through legislation. The matter has been reported to the SAPS. A case was opened at the Thoyoyondou Police Station and the CAS number is 468/11/2015.

The Hawks have now taken over the investigation covering the provinces implicated. The investigation is ongoing and the devices of learners in some cases have been confiscated by police for further forensic investigation.

The dates for the rewrites in Vhembe District schools only are as follows:

•     Life Sciences Paper 1: 4 December 2015
•     Life Sciences Paper 2: 8 December 2015

These dates have been communicated with learners directly and those learners who do not fall within the Vhembe district will not rewrite the examination. A total of 15 960 full time and 1 540 part time candidates will write the Life Sciences examination.

The DBE hopes to send out a clear message to learners and schools about the consequences of such malpractices. The DBE is aware that some learners who did not cheat will have to rewrite the examinations; however this is the unfortunate consequence which is vital in maintaining the credibility of the NSC examinations in the country

The DBE is not taking this incident lightly and hopes to send out a strong message to learners, teachers and officials that cheating in the examinations will not be tolerated. It is only through hard work and diligent study that good results will be achieved.

Issued by Department of Basic Education