Mapaballo Borotho
- The DBE has confirmed that 26 Gauteng pupils gained early access to three matric exam papers due to a breach at the department’s offices.
- The leak was limited to seven schools, and trained markers detected anomalies in six scripts through the NSC’s robust marking system.
- The affected papers were shared via a USB device, and a final report on the incident will be delivered by the end of December 2025.
A total of 26 pupils in Gauteng have been confirmed to have accessed some 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam papers before writing them.
These learners were interviewed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) after a breach was detected in certain exam papers within the province.
The breach occurred at the DBE offices where question papers are set.
Initial investigations revealed that the leak was confined to seven schools, affecting only a small number of learners.
The NSC marking system detected irregularities in six scripts, prompting markers, who were trained in investigative marking, to escalate their concerns immediately.
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said the swift detection demonstrates the strength of the marking and security systems.
She emphasised that the breach was uncovered through the system and skilled markers, not rumours or by chance.
“The fact that only a limited number of scripts triggered our alarms, that markers escalated their observations
As per their training, the system responded immediately and in full force, demonstrating that our system
is functioning and able to address the matter immediately”.
It has been confirmed that only three subjects were accessed: English Home Language Papers 1, 2, and 3; Mathematics Papers 1 and 2; and Physical Sciences Papers 1 and 2.
The papers were reportedly shared through a USB device.
Gwarube confirmed that a preliminary report will go to the National Examination Irregularities Committee on 29 December 2025, and the final report will be submitted to the Minister and Umalusi on 31 December 2025.
She assured the public that the department will study the findings to ensure readiness for the announcement of results on 12 January 2026.
“To the thousands of learners who wrote their papers with honesty, we honour you by detecting those who cheated. This investigation is being conducted to protect you, your achievements, and the value of your NSC certificate,” she said.
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