Probe widens as leaked matric papers reach far more pupils

Evidence is mounting that the National Senior Certificate exam leak could extend far beyond the small cluster of Pretoria schools first identified, after investigators found the breach was more extensive than initially believed. Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed on Thursday that seven exam papers were circulated to 26 pupils, but said the full scope of the cheating is still being uncovered. Seven National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam papers — English Home Language papers 1, 2 and 3; Mathematics papers 1 and 2; and Physical Sciences papers 1 and 2 — were leaked to 26 pupils from seven Pretoria schools.

Preliminary investigations found that a department employee, who has a matric child, received the papers from a colleague in the examinations unit. Pupils who had access to the papers are also being held accountable, and investigations are ongoing.In an urgent media briefing on Thursday morning, Gwarube said a national task team will begin a formal investigation on December 12. It expects to finalise its findings before results are approved on January 12, 2026.

Exams quality assurer Umalusi said the DBE will present its findings to the executive committee of the council, to be tabled during results-approval meetings scheduled from January 6 to 8 next year. Gwarube said the department wanted the public to know that its systems are robust: “Our systems work; you cannot cheat the NSC exams and get away with it.”