Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
PREMIER CONCERNED ABOUT MATRIC EXAMS
1. The Premier expressed extreme concern about the current problems surrounding the Matric Examinations.
2. Rumours of leakages, coupled with reports of rescheduling of papers create a climate of uncertainty around the validity of the exams in the community - particularly to pupils sitting for exams.
3. Unfounded reports of "sightings" of exam papers on the internet only serve to create more confusion.
4. The Premier has been assured by the Education Ministry that the problem is a limited one and not as widespread as it is made out to be. The Premier has also been assured by Police Commissioner Maharaj that no stone shall be left unturned by the police to find and apprehend the culprits.
5. The Premier is particularly pleased with the prompt and cool- headed manner MEC Mary Metcalfe and her staff approached the problem. Calls for her resignation are irrational and completely unnecessary.
6. The Premier also makes a special appeal to those with any information, especially the honest and upright within the student community - to come forward and assist the police with their investigations.
7. The culprits, once arrested by the law enforcement agencies, should treated as common criminals who should be prosecuted and given appropriate sentences.
Issued by Sefako Nyaka: Communications Directorate: Office of the Premier: 30 Simmonds Street, Johannesburg 2001. Tel: 240-1641 05 082-5700-839
29 October 1996