Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Carina Serfontein and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ngwathe expresses deep concern following reports that five learners at Boitlamo Secondary School in Parys were allegedly prevented from writing their matric History examination on Thursday, 30 October 2025.
According to reports, one learner contacted his family after being denied entry to the examination room. His mother immediately went to the school and insisted that he be allowed to write. The principal eventually granted permission for the learner to sit for the paper. However, four other learners were not afforded the same opportunity, and the reasons for their exclusion remain unclear.
This incident follows a similar one earlier in the week, on Monday, 27 October 2025, where four Accounting learners reportedly did not write their examination. These repeated cases raise serious concerns about management, communication, and examination administration at the school.
We condemn any actions that jeopardise learners’ constitutional right to education. Our youth are the future of this country, and every lost opportunity today weakens the South Africa of tomorrow. No learner should ever be unfairly prevented from writing their final examinations under any circumstances.
The DA in Ngwathe will:
- Submit formal written questions to the Free State Department of Education;
- Request a full and urgent investigation into the circumstances that led to these learners being excluded;
- Demand clarity and accountability from the school management, district officials, and the Fezile Dabi District Education Office;
- Monitor the situation to ensure that affected learners are provided with an opportunity to rewrite, where applicable.
The matter has also been formally escalated to the DA in the Free State Provincial Legislature for further oversight and engagement with the MEC for Education.
The DA will continue to follow this matter closely to ensure that accountability is enforced and that every learner’s right to fair and equal access to education is upheld.