OPPOSITION parties in Limpopo are furious with the department of education's belated move to force condoned pupils to repeat their previous classes two months after the schools opened.

OPPOSITION parties in Limpopo are furious with the department of education's belated move to force condoned pupils to repeat their previous classes two months after the schools opened.

DA provincial leader Desiree van der Walt said the situation has cast doubt on the integrity of the department to carry out its mandate.

Van der Walt said it was difficult for one to believe in the accuracy of the terrible results that were reflected on the system.

"Issues like this make it difficult for one to believe in these results," she said

She said the DA was going to ask Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga if she had confidence in the ability of the provincial administration to run education.

Van der Walt believes that the standard of education in Limpopo is deteriorating and that these would also affect matric results.

"The future of pupils is at stake, and it's demotivating for parents to rely on the results from the department," Van der Walt said.

The unusual move is reported to have caused tensions among educators. Parents have also expressed concern about the announcement, claiming it will traumatise their children.

Spokesperson for the department, Ndo Mangala, said they would release a statement on the issue.

Cope has also blamed the department of education for sleeping on its duties, and believes the problem will recur as long as the school inspectors' duties are minimal in the classroom.

Cope provincial chairperson Sello Moloto said supervision was a big problem, and the department was barking at the wrong tree.

"They say education is a priority but their actions are just the opposite. They don't take their work seriously. They are now putting pupils at a disadvantage while nothing will be done to those who made the mistake," he said.