Statement by Ron Swartz, Head of Education in the Western Cape

According to an article in the Argus of 7 January 2009, (Ms) Desiree van der Walt, deputy spokesperson for education for the Democratic Alliance, claimed that matric examination markers for mathematics, science and history in the Western Cape had been "told to increase the marks of weaker candidates…"

I categorically deny that any marker had been instructed by the WCED to increase the marks of candidates as has been claimed.

I consider it extremely irresponsible of Ms. Van der Walt to make these statements without even attempting to verify the allegations with the WCED.

Given the high level of monitoring by various teams of monitors (Umalusi, the DoE and the WCED), it is hard to imagine how such irregularities could have occurred without exposure. We have had 144 teachers marking Math Paper 1 and 154 for Math paper 2. The allegations imply major collusion between these parties - something that would, logically, be very risky to achieve without exposure. Also, given the critical and expressive nature of many of our teachers (and markers), it is rather strange that they have not all come forward to expose these alleged irregularities.

The allegations are very serious and must be investigated as a matter of urgency. This can only be done if the WCED is provided with sufficient information to do so.

It goes without saying that such an investigation is critical because the allegations cast doubt, not only on the reliability of the results as published, but also on the integrity of this department and the many teachers and officials who have worked so hard to deliver an incident-free examination, the results of which can be trusted.

Going into the examinations, our students were faced with early predictions that they would be unable to deliver. It was therefore to be expected that these same doomsayers would claim that the results had been manipulated to reflect a positive outcome, despite the fact that, nationally, the average pass percentage has dropped due to the tougher pass requirements of the examinations. Yet, none of those who have made these claims have been able to provide a shred of evidence as the basis for their allegations.

I consider it extremely unfair to the thousands of students who have worked hard during the year and prior to the examinations that the reliability of their results is being questioned. It is also deeply unethical, detestable in the extreme, and completely unacceptable that the integrity of the examinations and the results can be publicly sullied without proof.

I therefore want to make an urgent appeal to those teachers who have made these claims to step forward and to provide the necessary evidence that would back up their claims. Similarly, I would request Ms. Van der Walt as well as the DA councillor who is mentioned in the report, to provide us with all information pertaining to these allegations to assist us in our investigation.

Such evidence can be made available directly to the MEC for Education in the province, the DoE in Pretoria, Umalusi, the Public Service Commission, or other reputable organization.

In making this request, I am giving the assurance that those teachers (markers) will be protected. At the same time, though, if these allegations are malicious in intent and without any foundation, the necessary action will be taken against them.

I will require the following information:

It is imperative that this information be provided as soon as possible so that the guilty party or parties can be identified and the strongest possible disciplinary action can be taken against them.

For enquiries, contact Millicent Merton:  072 724 1422 or mmerton@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

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