DBE Rejects Fake Matric Exam Leak Claims, Warns Of Legal Action

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has dismissed claims circulating in a fake news poster about the 2026 matric examinations, insisting that the integrity of the national exams remains intact.

The department said no examination leaks or irregularities had been reported across the provinces. It has also warned that those responsible for spreading the misinformation could face investigation and possible prosecution.

DBE Denies Matric Exam Leak Claims

The matric exam leak claims were rejected by the department as baseless and potentially harmful to candidates preparing for their final school examinations.

The DBE said the misinformation appeared designed to disrupt the examination process and prejudice more than 964,000 learners writing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

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"These baseless claims are designed to disrupt the examination process and to prejudice over 964,000 candidates who are currently writing their matric examinations," the department said.

The department warned that spreading false information during the examination period could cause unnecessary anxiety among learners and their families. It urged the public to avoid sharing unverified reports that could undermine confidence in the national examinations.

Siviwe Gwarube Monitors Matric Exams In Thembisa

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube visited Thembisa West Secondary School on Thursday to monitor learners writing English Paper 3.

During the visit, she said the examination security systems were functioning smoothly. The DBE maintained that there had been no reports of examination leaks or other irregularities across the country.

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The department said the security of the 2026 NSC examinations had not been compromised. It reassured learners, parents and the public that the national examination process remained on track as candidates continued writing their papers.

DBE To Report Fake Matric Poster To Law Enforcement

The DBE matric examination investigation will include referring the fake news poster to law enforcement authorities. The department said it intended to have those responsible for creating and circulating the material investigated, with possible prosecution if warranted.

"The department will report the fake news poster to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution as it seeks to undermine the national social contract between the department and South Africans regarding the NSC examinations," it said.

The department has urged the public to rely on official communication for updates about the examinations and to refrain from spreading unverified claims. It said protecting the credibility of the NSC exams was essential for the hundreds of thousands of learners completing their schooling.