Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read

📷 Umalusi addresses the media on the matric exam leak probe, confirming 40 implicated learners and ongoing investigations.

Urgent attention has been drawn to the integrity of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations following the release of findings by Umalusi into reported matric examination paper leaks. The quality assurance body briefed the media on irregularities detected within the Department of Basic Education (DBE), confirming that a national investigation task team has identified 40 implicated learners from eight schools in the Pretoria area.

According to Umalusi CEO, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, the independent probe was initiated after concerns emerged around the possible leakage of examination papers. “The investigation identified 40 implicated candidates,” Rakometsi confirmed, adding that the matter is still under investigation and further suspects could still be uncovered.

Umalusi spokesperson Biki Lepota explained in an interview with Radio Islam International that the breach occurred within the DBE itself, involving two employees who are currently suspended. “The report indicates that the breach happened in the offices of the DBE. Two employees were involved, and one of them is the parent of a matric learner,” Lepota said. The learner allegedly distributed the papers to close contacts, leading to the spread of the leaked material.

The investigation has so far linked the leak to only three subjects, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English and Umalusi has stressed that the scale of the irregularity remains limited. “We are talking about 40 learners out of more than one million candidates who wrote the 2025 examinations,” Lepota noted. “That is a very negligible number.”

As a precautionary measure, the 40 implicated learners will not receive their results when national results are released. They will be subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing process, after which sanctions will be determined. “At the conclusion of that process, the department can suspend them for up to three examination sessions,” Lepota said. Criminal charges will also be pursued against all those involved.

Despite the seriousness of the breach, Umalusi maintains that the credibility of the 2025 matric results remains intact. “Overall, the examinations were run in accordance with policy,” Lepota said, explaining that existing systems were able to detect the irregularities swiftly. “It is for that reason that we gave the green light to the Department of Basic Education to release the results.”

Umalusi has, however, reiterated concerns about recurring weaknesses in quality assurance processes, particularly around internal assessments at schools and colleges. While acknowledging these challenges, the body says it is encouraged by the willingness of assessment authorities to work towards continuous improvement.

The investigation continues, with education authorities under pressure to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the examination system.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Moulana Ibrahim Daya and Biki Lepota.