The Free State Department of Education has suspended the principal of Selelekela Secondary School in QwaQwa after a Grade 12 learner was allegedly barred from entering an examination room on 15 October because of outstanding school fees.
Action taken as investigations begin
The department confirmed the principal, who acted as chief invigilator for the English First Additional Language Paper 3, was suspended with immediate effect pending an internal investigation. The suspension follows an incident during the matric examination period that has raised concerns about adherence to examination regulations and learners' rights.
Plans have been made to appoint the deputy principal as chief invigilator for the remainder of the examinations while the inquiry is under way.
Support for the learner and next steps
The department said the affected Grade 12 learner has been provided with psycho-social support and will be able to continue with the remainder of her examinations.
“The Department is finalising all reports and supporting documentation for submission to Umalusi through the Department of Basic Education (DBE), to request a concession in respect of English FAL P3. This is to ensure that the candidate is not required to rewrite the paper in June 2027. The granting of the concession remains subject to approval processes,” the department said.
Officials emphasised that the request for concession to Umalusi (the quality assurance body for general and further education) will determine whether the candidate must rewrite the paper in June next year.
Department issues warning on barring learners
The provincial education department issued a stern reminder that disputes over school fees must not prevent candidates from writing examinations. It warned non-compliance with examination instructions would lead to disciplinary action.
“School fee disputes must never compromise a candidate's opportunity to write. Non-compliance with examination instructions will not be tolerated and will be dealt with through disciplinary processes,” the department said.
Timeline of the incident
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 15 October | Grade 12 learner was allegedly denied entry to English FAL Paper 3 at Selelekela Secondary School. |
| Following days | Principal suspended; deputy principal appointed as chief invigilator for remainder of exams; learner provided with psycho-social support. |
| Pending | Department to finalise reports and request concession from Umalusi via the DBE. |
Practical implications for candidates and parents
The incident highlights several practical points for learners, parents and schools during the ongoing matric season:
- Schools must not bar candidates from exams over outstanding school fees; examination regulations prioritise candidates' right to sit papers.
- Where an irregularity occurs during a final examination, departments may apply to Umalusi for concessions to avoid requiring learners to rewrite papers in the supplementary sitting.
- Support services, including psycho-social assistance, are available for learners affected by examination-day incidents.
Context and local impact
Matric examinations carry significant weight for learners and their families, affecting tertiary access and employment opportunities. In the Free State, where many communities are economically vulnerable, the enforcement of school fee policies has long been a sensitive issue. The department's swift suspension of the school principal signals an intention to uphold examination procedures and protect candidates' rights during the critical assessment period.
The outcome of the department's investigation and Umalusi's decision on the concession application will determine whether the affected learner must rewrite English FAL Paper 3 in June 2027. The case is also likely to prompt review of school-level protocols for handling fee disputes on exam days.
Further developments, including the findings of the internal probe and any disciplinary measures, will be reported as they are finalised by the provincial education department and the Department of Basic Education through their respective processes.
