Plagiarism Policy

SK Academy promotes a culture of academic honesty and expects all learners to submit original work. Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

• 1.1 Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work, ideas, or words as your own without proper acknowledgment.
• 1.2 Plagiarism applies to all forms of work including assignments, projects, assessments, research tasks, portfolios, and online submissions.
• 1.3 Plagiarism includes copying from the internet, books, classmates, AI-generated content without attribution, or submitting purchased work.

2. Types of Plagiarism

• 2.1 Direct Plagiarism: Copying text word-for-word without quotation marks or referencing.
• 2.2 Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Rewriting someone’s work in your own words without crediting the source.
• 2.3 Self-Plagiarism: Submitting your own previous work for a new assessment without approval.
• 2.4 Collusion: Working with others where individual work is required and submitting shared content as separate work.
• 2.5 Uncredited AI Use: Submitting AI-generated content as your own without acknowledgment and permission where required.

3. Learner Responsibilities

• 3.1 Learners must ensure their work is original and properly referenced where sources are used.
• 3.2 Learners must use quotation marks for direct quotes and include correct citations.
• 3.3 Learners should not share their assessments or allow others to copy their work.
• 3.4 Learners must ask facilitators for guidance if uncertain about referencing or originality expectations.

4. Detection and Monitoring

• 4.1 Softkings Academy may use plagiarism detection tools and manual review to evaluate submissions.
• 4.2 Facilitators and assessors may request oral verification or additional evidence to confirm authorship.
• 4.3 Submissions that appear inconsistent with the learner’s previous work may be flagged for review.

5. Consequences of Plagiarism

• 5.1 Minor or first offences may result in a warning and requirement to resubmit the work.
• 5.2 Serious offences may result in a mark of zero, failed assessment, or disciplinary action.
• 5.3 Repeat offences may lead to suspension or expulsion without refund.
• 5.4 Learners may be reported to relevant stakeholders where required for quality assurance purposes.

6. Appeal Process

• 6.1 Learners may appeal a plagiarism decision by submitting a written request within 7 days of receiving the outcome.
• 6.2 The appeal must include supporting justification and evidence where applicable.
• 6.3 Appeals will be reviewed by management and the final outcome will be communicated in writing.

7. Contact Information

Email: info@softkingsacademy.co.za
Phone: +27 12 004 3732
Address: 58 Columbia Road, Clubview Forum, Clubview, Centurion, South Africa
For Attention: Mr Daniel Mahlaule