Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 12 December 2025

📸 Officials suspended as Basic Education investigates leaked matric exam memo affecting 27 learners in Tshwane, as the department moves to safeguard exam integrity. (Image: Jaco Marais)

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that two department officials have already been suspended, describing the incident as “an unfortunate breach that emanated from within the department itself.”

Department spokesperson Terence Khala joined Radio Islam International to outline the scope of the leak and the investigations now underway. He clarified that learners did not receive the actual exam paper, but rather “an exam memo,” which provided answers to the scheduled paper.

“This leak emanated from the side of the department, two officials have been placed on suspension,” Khala confirmed.

The irregularity came to light during marking when highly trained markers noticed that several candidates’ responses were “strikingly similar to the examination memo,” prompting an investigative marking process.

“Our markers were able to establish that some responses appeared identical to the memo this triggered a deeper investigation,” he explained.

Investigators quickly traced the leak to a handful of individuals with early access to the memo. Fortunately, the breach was contained.

Around 27 learners in the Tshwane region were implicated, though Khala emphasised the incident should not tarnish the involved schools.

“These are the actions of individuals we do not want to bring the schools into disrepute,” he stressed.

He further noted that, unlike previous widespread leaks involving WhatsApp groups or invigilator misconduct, this breach remained isolated because the memo was circulated among students in a limited circle.

A national investigative task team comprising Basic Education officials, Umalusi, and representatives from higher education has already begun its work and is expected to deliver a full report before the end of 2025.

“The integrity of the NSC examinations must remain sacrosanct. We will not compromise on this,” Khala said.

Learners found guilty face being banned from writing for three examination cycles, significantly affecting their prospects for admission into universities and TVET colleges.

“This will unfortunately hamstring their future opportunities,” Khala stated, adding that the department “will come down hard on anyone” who undermines exam integrity.

Despite the breach, the department maintains that, with more than 900,000 learners writing this year without irregularities, the system remains strong and continues to operate with diligence and rigor.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Terence Khala.