Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

11 October, 2018

MEC Schäfer cautions Grade 12 learners against cheating in the upcoming NSC examinations.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

On the 22^nd October 2018, thousands of candidates will begin writing the 2018 NSC examinations.

Today I visited Fisantekraal High School where 118 NSC candidates took part in a voluntary pledge signing ceremony that shows their commitment to complying with all rules and regulations relating to the NSC exams.

The pledge states that the candidate will uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in the examination by:

1. Complying with all the rules and regulations relating to the National Senior Certificate examination

2. Following the instructions of the invigilator during the writing of the examination

3. Not being influenced, in anyway, to cheat in the examination

4. Not participating in any wrongdoing which includes, but is not limited to: copying, being in possession of unauthorized material or electronic devices, accepting or providing assistance to another candidate, writing on behalf of another candidate or any other unauthorized action

5. Reporting any form of wrongdoing to the school principal.

In addition to over 1 000 school invigilators, the WCED has appointed 1 273 invigilators at the 457 exam centres. Part of their duties is to check whether candidates are adhering to the NSC rules and regulations.

I must caution all candidates against cheating in these examinations. Cheating can result in serious consequences such as being banned from writing the NSC for up to three years.

You are only cheating yourself, cheating yourself out of your future.

The results of a candidate found with crib notes or carrying any electronic devices can be declared null and void.

When the candidate's results are declared null and void, the result for the specific subject is marked as irregular but the candidate will receive results for the other subjects as well as a letter informing the candidate about the irregularity that occurred and the sanction imposed.

The candidate will not receive a National Senior Certificate until she/he re-writes the subject and applies for a combination of results.

Disqualified learners can be banned from writing the examination for between one and three years. This will have obvious effects on the candidate's future study plans and opportunities.

Learners have spent at least twelve years at school and should not risk throwing all this away by choosing to use irregular means to pass the examinations.

I sincerely hope that we will not have to disqualify any candidates this year.

I would like to encourage all our candidates for the 2018 NSC examinations to stay focused and to put in the hard work required to prepare for the upcoming examinations.

I wish all the Grade 12's the best of luck.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Tel: 021 483 6570
E-mail: Jessica.Shelver@westerncape.gov.za