Recent speculation around the security of matriculation examination papers has prompted me to clarify the situation to the public.
An investigation into the progress and integrity of the Senior Certificate examinations conducted through the Heads of examination sections of the nine provincial education departments has found that on the whole, examinations are progressing very well, despite the lack of infrastructure, human resources and experience in some of these departments. The only confirmed leakage was the Accounting paper in the Gauteng Education Department. All rumours that the 1996 matric examinations will be declared invalid should be laid to rest. Master copies of all supplementary examinations - certified by the South African Certification Council (SAFCERT) - are available if needed. There is no cause for alarm.
The investigation revealed that four provinces use security firms for distribution, while in the others papers are either delivered or collected on a daily or periodic basis. Only one province stores papers at schools which have the necessary strongrooms. All provinces have monitoring teams in place to investigate irregularities.
The conducting of matric examinations is the full responsibility of provincial education departments under the National Education Policy Act, but there is a spirit of co-operation on matters of significant interest. The National Education Ministry is responsible only for monitoring the examination process.
Since the beginning of this year a process of monitoring has taken place through the Heads of Education Departments Committee as well as the Council of Education Ministers. I was informed through these structures that exam preparations were adequate and that, where necessary, measures had been undertaken to resolve problems.
I regret any inconvenience or upset caused to candidates, but wish to assure them that everything possible being done to speedily address problem areas. While I do not condone leakages, I wish to remind those political parties shouting for resignations and retribution that this is not the first time there has been a matric examination leakage. I take strong exception to party parasites without conscience who issue hollow legal threats without foundation which only alarm people. Criticism is essential, but is should be constructive. The objective of the spirit of nation-building and reconstruction is to identify and manage problems collectively, are not to sow dissension and sensationalism.