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Free State suspends chief invigilator over learner barred from exam

Published

The Free State Education Department suspended the principal of Selelekela Secondary School in Qwa Qwa, who was also the chief invigilator. A learner was allegedly denied entry to an English paper on 15 October because of unpaid school fees.

The department said the learner has received psycho-social support and is continuing with the exams. The learner was writing the senior certificate examination.

Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the department held an urgent virtual meeting with chief invigilators from all schools. He said "no candidate may be denied access to an examination room on grounds of outstanding school fees or any matter unrelated to eligibility to write".

The department also reminded principals and chief invigilators of a national examination instruction, E06 of 2026. It says candidates may not be denied access to exams over fees.

Key facts

Who
Howard Ndaba (Free State Education Department spokesperson); Khumbuzile Thabethe (article author); Free State Education Department (provincial education department that suspended the chief invigilator)
What
The Free State Education Department suspended the chief invigilator, who is also the principal of Selelekela Secondary School in Qwa Qwa, after a learner was allegedly denied entry to an English exam paper on 15 October because of unpaid school fees. The learner has received psycho-social support and is continuing with exams.
When
25 October 2026
Where
Qwa Qwa, Free State
Status
Reported

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