- Says it has taken decisive action to ensure integrity of exams
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) has moved swiftly to allay the fears around allegations of leaked examination papers.
The concerns, which are rife on social media platforms, are about Science Double Award Paper 3, which took place on October 5, 2023 and English Paper 1 that is scheduled for October 16, 2023.
In response, BEC says it has taken decisive action to ensure integrity of its examinations and wants to assure the public that investigations into the matter are currently underway.
The examinations body promises to leave no stone unturned in upholding the credibility of Botswana’s education system.
“BEC treats these allegations seriously and as a precautionary measure, the Council has resolved to recall the English Paper 1, which is to be rescheduled to a later date,” it says in a statement.
Best performance
“Regarding the Science Double Award Paper 3, the public will be informed of the final decision.”
The statement adds that while the investigations continue, BEC would like the public to remain calm. “Candidates are urged to remain focused on their examinations and field their best performance,” it says.
“BEC is doing all within its power to protect the best interest of the candidates while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of its qualifications.”
Despite the statement that seeks to reassure the public, observers say there is a need to provide counselling to the affected student community.
Speaking in a kgotla meeting recently, the Minister of Education, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, said disruption of examinations, which affects the capacity of students to concentrate and focus, should soon be a thing of the past because relations with teacher unions have improved.