The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the State Security Agency have been called in to investigate a potential breach in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced on Monday.

    Speaking at a media briefing ahead of her breakfast with the NSC Top Achievers in Randburg, Minister Gwarube confirmed that reports of a website selling verified matric results for as little as R100 are under investigation.

    Potential Breach in Verified Results

    Minister Gwarube explained that the alleged breach appears to have occurred at the final stages of the verification process. “We have become aware of a platform selling authentic matric results to learners, and we have enlisted the Hawks and State Security to investigate the matter,” she said.

    Although details remain limited due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, Gwarube stated that both internal leaks and cyberattacks are being considered as possible causes. The Minister emphasized the department’s commitment to tightening security measures.

    “If the breach comes from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), an internal investigation will follow under the leadership of the Director-General. Consequence management will also be implemented,” she said.

    On the possibility of cybercrime, Gwarube added, “This is why the Hawks and State Security have become involved. The investigation is at an advanced stage, which is why we could not address this earlier.”

    News: Outrage Over R100 ‘Leaked’ 2024 Matric Results: Calls for DBE Explanation Skyrocket

    Safeguarding the Integrity of Results

    Despite the breach, Gwarube assured the public that the integrity of the 2024 NSC results remains intact. “We will make sure that we set an example to people who prey on learners. Our systems must be as airtight as possible,” she said.

    The Minister also committed to tightening controls with stakeholders to ensure information-sharing processes are secure. She emphasized that anyone found guilty of facilitating or benefiting from the breach will face the full extent of the law.

    Umalusi Confirms Examination Standards

    Meanwhile, Umalusi, South Africa’s quality assurance body for education, held a separate media briefing on Monday morning. Umalusi CEO Dr. Mafu Rakometsi announced that the Executive Committee had approved the release of all 2024 examination results, stating that the standards for assessment and certification were met.

    Dr. Rakometsi, however, flagged examination malpractices during the 2024 exams, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. These two provinces topped the list of reported cases of cheating, with 195 and 74 implicated candidates, respectively.

    “Cheating does not pay,” Rakometsi said, referencing a 2024 High Court judgment in which 448 Mpumalanga learners were found guilty of cheating during the 2022 NSC examinations.

    By the Numbers: The 2024 NSC Examination

    According to Umalusi:

    • 1,060,852 candidates participated in the 2024 year-end exams.
    • 832,993 candidates wrote the NSC exams, with 704,401 full-time candidates and 106,499 part-time candidates.
    • Exams were conducted across 6,933 examination centres nationwide.
    • 880,209 candidates were initially registered for the NSC exams under the DBE, but 69,309 (7.9%) were absent.

    Implications and Next Steps

    The DBE has been instructed to block the results of any candidates implicated in irregularities until investigations are completed and verified by Umalusi. Minister Gwarube assured South Africans that the department will prioritize transparency and integrity in handling the matter.

    As investigations continue, the department, along with the Hawks and State Security, aims to prevent future breaches and hold those responsible accountable.

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