Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has urged the Department of Basic Education to consider withdrawing an appeal against a case where learners who had been accused of cheating in 2022 won in court.Makaneta argues that the appeal compromises the Department of Basic Education’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and academic success of learners.
He says the department should focus on finding the root causes of cheating instead of perpetuating a punitive approach. “The decision of the Department of Basic Education to appeal against these learners, who were implicated in cheating is a very concerning development. The appeal undermines the commitment of the department to the learner well-being as well as academic success. The DBE must consider reversing their decision to appeal so that the learners can be able to create a future for themselves,” explains Makaneta.