The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has reminded matric learners that cellphones, smart watches and notes are not allowed in examination venues, warning that taking these items into exam rooms could jeopardise their final results.

This comes as matric learners enter their third week of exams, with a short break expected from Tuesday, 3 October to Thursday, 5 October, due to the local elections on Wednesday, 4 October.

WCED Minister Jaco Londt has urged learners to stay focused during this important stage of their school careers.

“Cellphones, smart watches and notes, and any other unauthorised material or technology are strictly prohibited in exam rooms. Please don’t put your results at risk by taking any prohibited items into the exam venues.”

Meanwhile, Londt says exams are progressing well, with no major disruptions reported. He says the department is, however, keeping a close eye on gang-related violence in certain communities.

“Gang activities in certain areas remain a concern and we continue to engage closely with the relevant authorities, but no major disruptions to the examinations themselves have been reported.”

Londt has further appealed to learners not to lose focus, even though some of the more difficult exam papers are already behind them.

“While some candidates will be relieved to have some major papers such as Mathematics out of the way, there are still many papers to go, including Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, so stay motivated, focused and strong.”