The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube led a media briefing to present the outcomes of the Interim Report compiled by the National Investigative Task Team (NITT) into the recent examination irregularity.
Gwarube stressed the Department’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the integrity and credibility of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
During the briefing on Friday, January 9, the Minister outlined the findings of the investigation, key recommendations, and the Department’s measures to strengthen examination security and sustain public confidence in the national assessment system.
“Umalusi has today, approved the 2025 NSC results, confirming the examinations’ credibility and integrity. The Minister assured learners and parents that proven wrongdoing will be addressed firmly, without undermining the achievements of the majority,” the department said in a statement.
The NITT’s report was submitted to the DBE and Umalusi and has been made public following a communication process that safeguards the independence of the investigation.
The department also confirmed that the results of the 40 learners linked to the cheating scandal will be temporarily withheld pending independent hearings, while all other learners’ results will be released as approved.
“The NITT’s investigation confirms that the leak involved seven question papers:
- English Home Language (Papers 1–3)
- Mathematics (Papers 1–2)
- Physical Sciences (Papers 1–2),” the department stated.
