Swift, decisive action required to get to bottom of mark-tampering allegations

Allegations that an acting principal at a secondary school in Gqeberha’s northern areas tampered with pupils’ marks in exchange for money are extremely serious. If the accusations are proved to be true it would undermine the integrity of education, while false claims could damage the reputation of a school that has experienced stability recently. About 37 grade 11 pupils are involved in the investigation, but the number could be higher, according to officials.

It is believed the pupils asked for their papers to be remarked at the end of grade 11 because they were not happy with their marks. Either way, this matter cannot be allowed to drift in the halls of the Eastern Cape education department’s head office in Bhisho. Thedepartment has confirmedthat the case has moved from the district assessment irregularities committee to labour relations for further investigation.

But this will do little to calm the nerves of the parents, pupils and principal. Details of the allegations emerged after parents revealed that some pupils had been in limbo since the start of the new academic year. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, it must be presented and dealt with. If the allegations are unfounded, the principal and the school community deserve swift exoneration.