PSLE results of 17 candidates withheld

Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) has registered five cases of maladministration and one suspected case of malpractice in the 2018 Primary Leaving School Examinations (PSLE). Addressing the press on Monday, BEC Executive Secretary, Professor Brian Mokopakgosi said the incidents of maladministration are not very serious.For example, it would be that an examiner started the exam either a few minutes before or after the stipulated time. Malpractice on the other hand, is more serious and has to do with fraud that can put the credibility of the examination in doubt. In addition, this is punishable. “Investigations are continuing into this matter,” Prof. Mokopakgosi said. The results from the centre have also been withheld pending conclusion of the investigation. According to the 2018 PSLE Results, these accounted for results of 17 candidates, who are currently graded under Grade X. BEC Executive Secretary also reported that this year, three cases of break-ins were reported compared to six last year. Investigations however, revealed that no examination materials were tampered with during the break-ins. This has been attributed to the fact that examination time coincides with prize giving ceremonies in schools, therefore the intent of the break-ins might have been entirely to steal valuable items. Prof. Mokopakgosi told the Press that with a large number of primary school examination centres across the country, there is a possibility of one or two centres that might not satisfy the standards. He said to ensure that the right processes and procedures are followed, and that results are credible, they appoint regional examination administrators to do inspections. However, he admitted that they have not had enough resources to cover all the 839 primary schools in the country. This year, they appointed 29 regional examination administrators that inspected 386 centres. “The report from the regional examinations administrators shows that the examination environment was generally satisfactory,” Mokopakgosi said.