Key Takeaways
- A Department of Basic Education (DBE) human resources official has been identified as the source of a localized leak of 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination papers.
- The leak implicates 40 learners across eight schools in the Tshwane area, and their results will be temporarily withheld pending formal irregularity hearings.
- The investigation found that the leak originated from a secured examination unit within the DBE National Examinations Office and was distributed by the official’s Grade 12 son.
- The breach involved seven examination papers, including English Home Language, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics.
- The implicated candidates face severe consequences, including the possibility of having their results nullified and being barred from writing the NSC examinations for up to three sessions.
Introduction to the Scandal
A shocking revelation has rocked the education sector in South Africa, as a Department of Basic Education (DBE) human resources official has been identified as the source of a localized but significant leak of 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination papers. The leak, which was first suspected after an "unusual similarity" was noticed between a candidate’s responses and the official marking guideline for English Home Language Paper 2, has implicated 40 learners across eight schools in the Tshwane area. The results for these 40 candidates will be temporarily withheld pending formal irregularity hearings, announced Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a joint media briefing with Professor Chika Sehoole, chairperson of the National Investigative Task Team (NITT).
The Investigation
The investigation, which was conducted by the NITT, found that the leak originated from a secured examination unit within the DBE National Examinations Office. Evidence, corroborated by learner interviews and written statements, shows that the departmental HR official’s son received a USB containing question papers and marking guidelines from his mother, a DBE employee. The son was then responsible for the further distribution of the leaked material, which was transmitted via various methods, including USB drives, WhatsApp messages, screenshots, printed copies, and other messaging platforms. The investigation was comprehensive, utilizing six work streams aligned with DBE protocols, including forensic investigation, statistical analysis, and investigative marking.
Methods of Investigation
The investigation employed various methods to identify the source and spread of the breach. A private forensic firm examined 11 electronic devices, including desktops, smart watches, laptops, and exam servers, and analyzed CCTV footage to trace the source of the breach. Statistical analysis identified anomalous performance trends, prompting the initial flagging of candidates. The analysis was eventually extended nationwide to ensure no other high-average marks were overlooked. Trained markers reviewed scripts from 17 centers for signs of cheating, such as identical or near-identical responses and verbatim reproduction of marking guidelines. The investigation also found that some candidates used AI tools, including ChatGPT, to structure responses based on leaked marking guidelines, signaling a new technological challenge to examination security.
Consequences and Next Steps
The consequences for the implicated candidates will be severe. Each of the 40 learners will face an independent irregularity hearing, and those found guilty risk having their results in affected subjects nullified and could be barred from writing the NSC examinations for up to three sessions. Umalusi CEO Dr. Mafu Rakometsi presented the findings alongside the NITT, affirming that the breach did not compromise the overall credibility of the 2025 NSC results. However, he warned that Umalusi retains the authority to cancel certificates even after they are issued if irregularities are later discovered. Learners whose certificates are cancelled must return them within three weeks or face possible fines or imprisonment. The NITT presented its final findings to Umalusi on Tuesday, and the matter has been reported to the police. A forensic service provider has been appointed to expand the investigation and identify any additional suspects.
Conclusion and Implications
The leak of the 2025 NSC examination papers is a serious breach of security and integrity, and the consequences for those involved will be severe. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent such breaches in the future. The use of AI tools by some candidates to structure responses based on leaked marking guidelines also raises concerns about the role of technology in examination security. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of the education system and ensuring that all learners have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed. The DBE and Umalusi will need to work together to implement measures to prevent such breaches in the future and to maintain the credibility of the NSC examinations.
