The Free State Department of Education says a 17-year-old matric learner from Eldoret Secondary School in Odendaalsrus will only be eligible to write her National Senior Certificate examinations in 2027.
This comes after Nthabiseng November was expelled from school and could not write her matric exams.
The department says investigations found that the learner had lost substantial teaching time, failed to complete compulsory School-Based Assessments and did not sit for preparatory examinations.
Free State Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba says the decision to register her as a full-time 2027 matric candidate was taken in her best interests, to allow her time to catch up academically and meet all examination requirements.
Ndaba says the department cannot compromise the credibility of the matric examinations or expose learners to possible failure.
” The Department remains committed to defending the right of an off-liner, upholding due process, as prescribed by SASA and BELA, and safeguarding the integrity and the credibility of the national certificate. However, an intensive investigation into full compliance with legislative prescriptions is ongoing, and collective action will be taken where necessary.”
Report by Lebohang Motshweneng