STATEMENT ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO EXAMINATION IRREGULARITIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL AND EASTERN CAPE
Irregularities were identified by DBE, Umalusi and the Provincial Education Departments during the writing (in October November 2014 and marking process (in December 2014). Whistle blowers also alerted the DBE of possible irregularities at certain schools. As a proactive measure, the Provincial Education Departments adopted a three pronged approach to invigilation; total administration, resident monitor, roving monitor.
DBE also deployed monitors to the provinces, focusing on each district. In the case of KZN a monitor per district was allocated. During the marking process, the DBE added an investigative audit component to the quality assurance process. During the investigative audit at marking centres, centres that were suspected of irregularities were given special attention.
In KZN a total of 38 centres were identified as showing some form of an irregularity emanating from the marking audit. In the case of the EC, a total of 19 centres were identified after the marking audit. A total of 58 centres were initially implicated.
Based on the suspicion of copying, DBE deployed a team of subject specialists to conduct a more detailed investigative audit of the scripts in seven selected subjects, in the centres identified. Umalusi subject specialists were also involved in the audit. Based on the outcome of the audit, the centres were blocked.
A total of 20 centres in KZN and 14 centres were finally blocked based on the evidence identified in the other subjects. Provincial Education Departments and DBE conducted interviews with the chief invigilators/invigilators and learners.