South Africa's Umalusi has approved the 2025 National Senior Certificate results for over 900,000 learners, following a probe that limited a Pretoria exam paper leak to 40 candidates. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube reaffirmed the exams' integrity, as investigations pinned the breach on a department official.
In a January 9, 2026, media briefing in Pretoria, Minister Siviwe Gwarube underscored the credibility of the 2025 NSC exams after a leak—first detected in December via investigative marking—was fully contained. The National Investigative Task Team (NITT), led by Professor Chika Sehoole and deputy Brian Schreuder, used digital forensics, statistical analysis, and interviews to confirm the breach affected only 40 candidates out of seven papers across seven Tshwane schools.
The probe traced the source to a Department of Basic Education official whose child was sitting for the NSC, with a second official's role under review. Gwarube emphasized: “We will not compromise the future of thousands of honest learners because of the actions of a few.”
Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi approved the results release, noting no systemic issues, while warning of certificate cancellations, fines, or up to six months' imprisonment for proven cheating. Council chairperson Professor Yunus Ballim affirmed the overall exam integrity.
NITT recommendations include better invigilation, security protocol reviews, formal hearings for the 40 candidates, and disciplinary action against officials. Schreuder warned of the national stakes: “When we get a leak of this nature... the consequences... can be huge for the nation.” These steps aim to bolster trust in future NSCs.
