Pretoria Exam Leak Bombshell: Pupils Got Matric Papers Early, Says Minister

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed a major breach of the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams after pupils at seven Pretoria schools gained access to leaked question papers in three subjects before sitting the tests.

Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, Gwarube said the compromised subjects included English Home Language (Papers 1, 2 and 3), Mathematics (Papers 1 and 2), and Physical Science (Papers 1 and 2).

Department Officials Suspended Over Suspected Role In Leaked Exam Papers 

According to Gwarube, early indications point to a basic education department official—who has a matric child—as having received the leaked paper from another official in the department. She confirmed that both individuals have since been suspended while investigations continue.

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The scandal has raised concern across the sector, with thousands of pupils currently writing their final examinations.

Umalusi Reviewing Preliminary Report on Breach

Exams quality assurer Umalusi told SurgeZirc SA that the department had submitted a preliminary report after identifying the breach on Wednesday.
Umalusi spokesperson Biki Lepota said the body was “currently considering the preliminary report” as it assesses the scale of the leak and its potential impact on exam integrity.

The education department is expected to give further updates as the investigation unfolds.

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