WATCH: How a history remark exposed a major matric marking error

A KwaZulu-Natal matriculant has raised concerns about the reliability of the marking system after a remark of her final history exam resulted in a dramatic 15 percentage point increase, POST has reported.

Daneha Naidoo, 18, initially received 78% for history despite consistently achieving top results, including 99% in her trial examinations. Unsatisfied with the outcome, she applied for a remark — a decision that ultimately revised her mark to 93%.

The former Danville Park Girls’ High School pupil, now studying occupational therapy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, described her initial results as devastating. She had expected a distinction and was disheartened when her name did not appear among top achievers.

Naidoo said the disappointment overshadowed what should have been a celebratory moment for her family. As one of triplets, she noted that her sisters’ achievements were eclipsed by concern over her unexpected result.

After receiving her updated mark, Naidoo questioned how such a significant discrepancy could occur. She suspects administrative or marking oversights, possibly linked to her use of multiple answer booklets or errors in tallying marks.

While the revised result did not alter her university placement, it improved her admission points score and overall matric average. She acknowledged that other pupils may not be as fortunate, warning that similar errors could have serious consequences for university acceptance.

Naidoo has called on the Department of Education to review its marking processes, arguing that the stakes are too high for such mistakes. She also encouraged other learners to request remarks if their results seem inconsistent with their performance.

Her mother, Losh Naidoo, said the initial results left the family heartbroken. She recalled her daughter’s emotional reaction and described the experience as deeply distressing.

The family’s relief turned to frustration after the corrected marks were released. Losh Naidoo said the incident highlighted systemic shortcomings and stressed the need for accountability in the marking process.

She has indicated plans to pursue further action, advocating for stricter oversight and improved quality control. According to her, significant errors in marking could jeopardise pupils’ futures and should not go unchecked.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

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