THE Gauteng High Court has set aside the decision of the Department of Basic Education to force learners to rewrite Maths and Physical Science exams, saying it was irregular and unlawful.
The department is also liable for all legal costs, according to the ruling.
The court ordered that all examination scripts must be marked by the Department of Basic Education.
The judgment follows an urgent court application involving AfriForum, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu), COSAS and other concerned parties, who disputed the decision to have matriculants rewrite their exams.
“We welcome the judgment to ensure learners are not being punished unnecessarily by Basic Education. The department jumped the gun. They don’t have to make irrational decisions but rely on hard evidence,” said Sadtu general secretary Mugwena Maluleke.
“We feel vindicated.”
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
