Mbombela - The first three days of matric exams have gone off smoothly in Mpumalanga, with no reports of exam papers being leaked.
Last year the national Education Department took control of the matric exams in the province after local police arrested 13 people, including an education official, a teacher, a prison official, 10 pupils and a worker at Clicks, in connection with leaking exam materials In November ahead of the exams.
"This year we have decided to hire private security companies to make sure that the storage areas are secured," said national examinations Chief Director Dr Nkosinathi Sishi on Wednesday.
He said all officials involved in organising this year's matric exams were made to sign secrecy and confidentiality documents, undertaking not to participate in any corrupt activities.
"We will deal harshly with anyone caught on the wrong side of the law," warned Sishi.
He said he was 100 percent confident the province would not be embarrassed by matric exam scandals again this year.
"We have the co-operation of Premier David Mabuza and Education MEC Regina Mhaule because they want to uphold the integrity of the province," said Sishi, who urged community members to immediately alert the police to any irregularities around the matric exams.
Provincial education spokesman Jasper Zwane said on Wednesday the 13 suspects who were arrested last year in connection with leaking matric exam papers were out on bail of between R1000 and R3000 each. "The case is still under investigation because more people are suspected to be involved," he said.
The papers that were leaked last year included Mathematics Papers 1 and 2, Physical Science Papers 1 and 2 as well as an Accounting Paper.
Zwane said this year's exams, which started nationally on Monday, had been running smoothly in the province so far.
Mpumalanga's matric pass rate dropped to 47.9 percent last year, down from 51.8 percent in 2008.
On Wednesday, the provincial education department released a statement calling for former matric pupils who are still waiting for their results to contact their former schools.
"In the event that the school is unable to provide the certificate learners should, without hesitation, contact the departmental toll free line 0800 203 116 during office hours and press 0 for the operator who will help them," reads the statement.
