Pretoria, Gauteng – 09 January 2026 — Exams quality assurer Umalusi has confirmed that the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam breach was contained to approximately 40 learners across seven schools in Pretoria. Addressing a media briefing on Friday, Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi described the breach as “localised,” while emphasising that additional learners could still be investigated as the process continues.
“While the number of implicated candidates stands at 40, there will be consequences for anyone who is not included in the number should they be discovered later on,” Dr Rakometsi said.
The breach affected three subjects and seven papers: English Home Language (Papers 1, 2, and 3), Mathematics (Papers 1 and 2), and Physical Sciences (Papers 1 and 2). The irregularities were first flagged after markers in Gauteng noticed unusual similarities between student responses and official marking guidelines.
The National Investigative Task Team (NITT), set up by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), includes Umalusi, Universities South Africa, teachers’ unions, departmental officials, and a private forensic investigator. Their investigation traced the breach to a DBE human resources official who allegedly handed papers to their child, a matric candidate, sparking a localized distribution chain.
“This detection demonstrates the effectiveness of our system,” Minister Siviwe Gwarube said. “It was not discovered by chance. It was detected because our markers are equipped to know the difference between authentic learner responses and content that should only be accessible to officials.”
Immediate Actions and Accountability
- Learners: Results for the 40 implicated candidates have been withheld, pending formal independent hearings. Those found guilty may have their results nullified and could be barred from NSC examinations for up to three cycles.
- Department Officials: Two DBE officials have been suspended, and criminal charges have been filed with SAPS for theft of state property.
- Umalusi Oversight: Umalusi will provide the final approval of results. Dr Rakometsi assured that students unaffected by the breach can be confident their results remain valid.
- Strengthened Security Measures: DBE plans to enhance vetting of departmental staff, improve digital tracking of exam materials, and explore watermarked exam papers.
“Malusi is the protector of standards,” Dr Rakometsi added. “Once Umalusi pronounces that the students have passed, nothing taints the qualification.”
Background and Context
The Pretoria breach recalls previous exam integrity incidents, including the Edumark 2024 matric results scandal (Hawks Arrest Edumark Suspect). The DBE has reiterated its commitment to maintain security and uphold credibility in the lead-up to the 2025 matric finals (DBE Confirms Readiness).
For full coverage on the Pretoria schools involved, see DBE Confirms 7 Pretoria Schools in Matric Paper Leak Probe.
Umalusi will also expect compliance reports by mid-March 2026 to ensure preventative measures are implemented across the system to avoid recurrence.
For updates on the 2025 matric results release and checking options, visit:
- 2025 Matric Results Release Date: January 13
- 2025 Matric Results Official Release Dates and How to Check
- Will Newspapers Print 2025 Matric Results?
Further Reading:
