Matrics in Gauteng have been caught cheating.

• Five Gauteng matriculants have been caught cheating during their final examinations.
• MEC Panyaza Lesufi revealed that the pupils were caught red-handed while writing.
• Two candidates were found with cellphones and another three were caught with crib notes.

Five Gauteng matriculants have been caught cheating during their final examinations.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi on Sunday revealed the pupils were caught red-handed while writing their final examinations.

“Two candidates were found with cellphones and another three [were caught] with crib notes while examinations were in session across different districts,” said Lesufi.

Lesufi said four other matriculants, who tested positive for Covid-19, were allowed to write their examinations under controlled conditions at the Nasrec Field Hospital. The four were discharged on 25 November.

READ | Matric 2020: Maths paper 2 leaks

However, another learner was admitted on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, on 19 November, criminals broke into Bophelong Secondary School in Sedibeng and accessed the storeroom, in which they stole 2019 Grade 11 surplus exam papers, and [it was] subsequently robbed again on 20 November.

“This time, they went away with around eight smart boards from Grade 12 classrooms, which are utilised for exams.

“About 27 candidates, who were scheduled to write Business Studies on 18 November 2020, were affected by the taxi strike. Those who arrived an hour late could write and some opted to write at other centres, and they were granted such a concession,” said Lesufi.

READ | Cheating matriculants to rewrite exam on Thursday

Marking sessions will commence on 4 January 2021 and conclude on 22 January, across 30 marking venues.

The department has appointed 12 148 marking personnel.

“We monitor closely the invitations surrounding the circumstances of the leaked Mathematics Paper 2, which was allegedly accessed by candidates from Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The source of the said leak is currently being investigated by the Hawks,” Lesufi said.

2021 admissions

Meanwhile, Lesufi said the online 2021 admissions placement process for Grade 1 and 8 started on 1 October and was scheduled to end on 30 November.

“Parents started receiving offers of placement on 1 October and offers not accepted were forfeited after seven school days of receipt. Based on the capacity of each school to accommodate learners, offers of placement were released to qualifying applicants as per Admissions Regulations.

“We can confidently inform that a total of 181 119 (81.48%) applicants are placed to date. Taking into cognisance that this was done under the strain of the Covid-19 pandemic and overwhelming challenges, this is a proud moment.

“During the placement period, and in line with the Admissions Regulations, priority is given to applicants who live within the school feeder zone closest to the school.

“The second priority is siblings and applicants that are currently in Grade 7 at a neighbouring school. Applicants of parents who work close to the school are placed only if the school has space available after accommodating applicants within the school feeder zone,” said Lesufi.

READ | Gauteng online applications for Grades 1 and 8 cut to one month due to lockdown

Applicants who live within 30 kilometres of the school, and beyond 30 kilometres of the school, are accommodated last.

About 144 primary schools and 136 high schools have reached full capacity and cannot accommodate any more placements.

Benoni, Alberton, Johannesburg South, Lenasia, Roodepoort, Bryanston, Midrand, Centurion and Akasia have been described as high-pressure areas.