The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that pupils implicated in the recent matric exam paper leak will have to wait longer for their results, as investigations into the matter continue.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said the number of learners linked to the leak has increased from an initial 26 to 40. The delay in releasing their results is intended to allow sufficient time for the probe to be concluded.
Standard sanctions will be imposed on pupils found guilty of misconduct, including the possibility of being barred from writing examinations for up to three exam cycles.
The department revealed that an HR official is alleged to have provided examination papers to her son, who then sold them to other pupils. However, Gwarube said exam papers are stored under strict security, raising suspicions that the official may have obtained the documents from another source. Two departmental officials have since been suspended.
The leak, which is believed to be confined to the Tshwane area, has been reported to police. It was first uncovered in December after exam markers in Gauteng detected irregularities in scripts. The provincial department alerted the national department, triggering a formal investigation.
Initially, only the English Home Language paper was thought to have been compromised. Subsequent interviews with pupils revealed that the Mathematics and Physical Science papers were also leaked.
Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi said that despite the breach, the integrity of the 2025 matric results has not been compromised. He added that Umalusi retains the authority to cancel certificates that have already been issued should further irregularities be discovered.
Gwarube is expected to announce the overall 2025 matric results on Monday.