Concerns over the integrity of the 2025 matric examinations have intensified as political parties and the Department of Basic Education respond to revelations that leaked exam papers originated within the department, raising questions about oversight, accountability and public confidence in the National Senior Certificate as thousands of pupils await their results. As thousands of matriculants across the country anxiously await their 2025 results, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has warned that confidence in South Africa’s public education system has been severely shaken by revelations that leaked matric examination papers originated from within the Department of Basic Education (DBE). VF Plus MP and chief spokesperson on education Dr Wynand Boshoff said reports implicating DBE officials in leaking – and possibly initiating – the breach were “shocking” and risked undermining trust in the integrity of the National Senior Certificate.
“The shocking revelation that Department of Education officials are implicated in leaking matric exam papers – and could even have initiated it – erodes confidence in the public education system,” Boshoff said. He warned that interest in independent education was likely to grow in the coming years as parents seek alternatives they believe offer stronger safeguards. South Africa has three examination authorities: the DBE, the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) and the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
Boshoff argued that the latter two have consistently managed their examinations without fraud or controversy, while the latest breach has once again placed the state system under scrutiny. “When cheating in exams comes to light, the Department’s usual defence is the enormous scale of the examinations it oversees,” Boshoff said. “What makes this year’s breach different is that it reportedly took place at headquarters, not at some remote examination centre where ensuring control is difficult.”
Read Full Article on Cape Argus
