Umalusi confirms 2025 matric exam breach limited to three subjects

PRETORIA - Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi says the 2025 matric exam leak was limited to the English Home Language, Mathematics and Physical Sciences papers.

Rakometsi delivered these remarks while presenting the quality assurer’s verdict on the 2025 matric results.

The leak in question was announced on 11 December 2025 by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube.

It prompted the establishment of a nine-member independent National Investigation Task (NITT) to investigate the source and spread of the leak.

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According to Rakometsi, Umalusi says the investigation confirmed that the leak was limited to seven examination centres in the Pretoria area. 

He says the leak affected 40 out of 6,000 learners who wrote the affected papers nationally.

But despite this leak, Rakometsi insists that the credibility of the results was not compromised.

He warned that investigations are ongoing and that any additional candidates found to have benefited from the leak will face consequences.

READ: Umalusi flags crimes against matriculants despite smooth exams

Rakometsi says Umalusi is empowered to cancel certificates already issued if irregularities are discovered. 

And candidates whose certificates are cancelled will be required to return them, failing which they will face possible fines or imprisonment of up to six months, Rakometsi adds. 

Rakometsi has praised the Department of Basic Education for its swift response. 

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will present further findings on the breach later.

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