Umalusi clears 2025 Matric Exams despite paper leak; 40 results withheld

January 9, 2026 244 2

Umalusi has certified the integrity and credibility of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, clearing the way for the official release of matric results next week — despite the confirmation of an examination paper leak affecting a small number of candidates.

The quality assurance body briefed the media on Friday, outlining the outcomes of its moderation, monitoring and standardisation processes as South Africa counts down to the matric results announcement.

Umalusi said its evaluation found the examinations to be fair, reliable, and properly administered nationwide. The assessment covered multiple qualifications, including the NSC, NCV Level 4, and NATED programmes, and involved external moderation, verification of marking, and monitoring of examination centres across the country.

Umalusi confirmed that an investigation uncovered leaks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English Home Language papers. The breach involved about 40 candidates across seven examination centres in Tshwane — out of nearly 600,000 learners who wrote the exams nationally.

Umalusi Chairperson, Professor Yunus Ballim, said the number of implicated candidates had risen from an initial 26 as investigations progressed and could still increase. However, he stressed that the breach was too limited to compromise national results.

Ballim noted that while the leak appeared to be an internal breach and caught authorities by surprise, existing quality assurance systems effectively detected irregularities and will now be further strengthened.

Umalusi said it is legally empowered to cancel certificates even after they have been issued, if wrongdoing is proven. Meanwhile, the body welcomed the absence of major disruptions during the examination period, noting that load-shedding, community protests, and adverse weather did not materially affect exam administration.

In a separate announcement, Umalusi confirmed that 2025 marks the final year for issuing new N3 certificates following the phase-out of NATED Report 190–191 programmes. CEO, Dr. Mafu Rakometsi, reassured current certificate holders that their qualifications remain valid.

Later on Friday, the Department of Basic Education released the interim report of the National Investigative Task Team probing the leaks.

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, announced that the results of the 40 candidates suspected of benefiting from the leaked papers will be temporarily withheld pending formal irregularity proceedings.

Gwarube said due process will be followed and stressed that honest learners will not be disadvantaged. Candidates found guilty could have the results of affected subjects nullified and may be barred from rewriting examinations for up to three exam cycles.

The task team confirmed that seven papers were compromised and that the leaked material was shared through both digital and physical means. Investigations have expanded to include possible internal involvement, with several officials placed on precautionary suspension.

Authorities have emphasised that schools will not be held responsible, with investigations focusing on individuals who accessed or distributed the leaked papers. Forensic analysis of electronic devices is ongoing, alongside disciplinary and criminal investigations.

The department also warned that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled tools, are increasingly being used to conceal exam misconduct — prompting renewed efforts to modernise and tighten examination security.

With Umalusi’s credibility verdict now delivered, the final step s the official release of the 2025 matric results, expected next Monday.

#DBENews |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 results of the 40 learners linked to the breach will be temporarily withheld pending… pic.twitter.com/FF1BqlBwdh

— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) January 9, 2026