NSC Exam Leak: DBE Official’s Son Fingered As Key Distributor In Matric Scandal

The source of the explosive 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination leak has been traced to inside the Department of Basic Education (DBE), with investigators identifying a departmental human resources official whose son is a Grade 12 learner as a central figure in the breach.

Internal DBE Source Identified in 2025 NSC Exam Leak

National Investigative Task Team (NITT) chairperson Professor Chika Sehoole revealed the findings on Friday while briefing the media alongside Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. The briefing followed the release of the NITT’s interim report into the examination irregularities.

“The department established that the source of the leak was internal to the DBE National Examinations Office,” Sehoole said.

The investigation found that the official’s son was responsible for distributing the leaked examination papers after receiving them from his mother. The breach has been confirmed as localised, affecting 40 learners from eight schools in the Tshwane area.

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How Investigators Uncovered the Exam Breach

Alarm bells were raised after examiners detected an unusual similarity between a learner’s answers and the official marking guideline for English Home Language Paper 2.

“This suggested an examination leak. Between December 2 and December 11, the department conducted its own investigation,” Sehoole said.

Initially, 26 learners from seven schools were flagged. A whistle-blower later led investigators to additional schools, expanding the probe to 17 examination centres across Gauteng and North West.

The NITT, appointed on December 15, deployed six work streams — including forensic analysis, statistical reviews, investigative marking and interviews with learners, invigilators and chief markers.

A private forensic firm examined electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, smartwatches and exam servers, while CCTV footage was also analysed. Investigators confirmed that seven papers were leaked, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English Home Language papers.

40 Matric Results Withheld as SAPS Steps In

Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that the results of the 40 implicated candidates will be temporarily withheld pending individual irregularity hearings.

Candidates found guilty could have their results in affected subjects nullified and may be barred from writing the NSC exams for up to three examination sessions. Outcomes will be referred to provincial and national irregularity committees, with Umalusi acting as the final authority.

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Sehoole said evidence showed the leaked material was shared using USBs, WhatsApp messages, screenshots and printed copies. “Some candidates used AI tools, including ChatGPT, to structure responses based on leaked marking guidelines,” he added.

Gwarube confirmed that suspected DBE officials have been precautionarily suspended and that the matter has been reported to the South African Police Service. A forensic service provider has also been appointed to widen the investigation.

Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi said the breach did not undermine the credibility of the 2025 NSC examinations. “While the number of implicated learners currently stands at around 40, consequences will follow if further individuals are identified,” he said.

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