WINDHOEK – The Ministry of Education remains tight-lipped over the possible security measures taken at its examinations directorate to ensure that national exam papers are not leaked to learners as experienced last year.
Last October at least 21 pupils were arrested in Zambezi Region for allegedly being in possession of stolen examination papers. The suspects are expected to make their final appearance in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court in November for possible prosecution. All the suspects were barred from sitting for any examinations for a full year and have to repeat their subjects. However, some pupils were released on a warning while investigations continue.
Speaking to New Era yesterday, Cavin Nyambe, Director of Examinations would not comment on the exact security measures put in place at the examinations directorate to determine ways to root out the leaks. “We have put measures in place o ensure that no leakages occur as seen last year. We are working with human beings and some people are too clever. So we cannot go in public and divulge what measures we have put in place because people will capitalise on them. Even some of our ministry’s staff do not know what measures we have in place,” Nyambe said.
National examinations are expected to start on September 24. About 34 096 full time and 10 278 part time candidates will sit for their Grade 10 National Junior Secondary Certificate examinations this year. In total, 44 374 learners will sit for their Grade 10 national examinations compared to last year’s 43 884 candidates. While 19 501 full time and 23 360 part time candidates will sit for their Grade 12 ordinary level this year.
Moreover, another 11 660 candidates will sit for their Grade 12 higher level compared to last year’s 10 638 candidates. In total, 42 861 candidates for Grade 12 ordinary level will sit for their examinations compared to last year’s 41 891 learners.
The examination director encouraged learners to study hard and urged parents to support their children to ensure that they perform well in the upcoming national examinations.
“Students are also encouraged to make their own study time tables instead of relying on what they get from school. They should also refrain from non-academic activities during the exams and concentrate on their studies as it is a one-off activity,” he encouraged learners.
Nyambe sent out a stern warning to students not to buy any examination papers but rather report any leakages to the Directorate of National Examinations or to the nearest education office. Last year, the national final exam question papers for grades 10 and 12 were leaked and sold to students for N$500 per examination paper. Many students in turn resold these papers for N$700 to their colleagues.
It was also reported that papers for at least four subjects – Development Studies, Biology, English, and Agriculture – were stolen last year. Amongst the 21 suspected students was one adult Manga Wakumelo who was alleged to be the mastermind behind the large-scale leak. It was reported that Wakumelo previously worked for the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED), through which the exams are routed before finally being transferred to the Ministry of Safety and Security.
Wakumelo, who is accused of having sold the papers to the students is out on bail and is expected to hear her fate in November with the suspected students. Wakumelo is also the private secretary of the Zambezi regional police commander Commissioner Bollen Sankwasa.
By Albertina Nakale