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This afternoon at a media conference, the MEC for Education in Gauteng, Ignatius Jacobs, announced that the two candidates from the Springs Muslim School, who had prior access to examination material, were afforded a hearing today.

The outcome of the hearing indicates that one learner was found guilty on both counts of having prior access to and being in possession of unauthorised examination material.

While the other candidate was found guilty of having had prior access to unauthorised examination material.

Both candidates have been found guilty of having contravened the Examination and Assessment Act. These candidates have consequently:

Been barred from writing any further examinations as from the 30th October 2001 during this 2001 examination session,

Had their marks, which they obtained in the paper, written on the 29 October 2001, declared as null and void.

Pending further investigations additional penalties may still be imposed, which include:

* Being criminally charged as their conduct constitutes a criminal offence;
* Being barred from writing any Senior Certificate Examination for a period not exceeding five years;
* The imposition of a fine; and
* Being imprisoned for a period not exceeding two years.

The Gauteng Department of Education urges all candidates not to fall prey to unscrupulous persons, who would stop at nothing to enrich themselves at the expense of our learners.

Learners are urged to remain focused and not be distracted by the unfortunate events of Monday.

We once again congratulate the school for its role in helping us maintain the integrity of the examinations.

Contact:
Lebelo Maloka at 011 355 1509/082 902 9880
Ismail Wadee at 011 355 0602/082 883 2943

Issued by: Office of the MEC for Education, Gauteng, 30 October 2001