NSC exam scandal: Umalusi notes leaks with concern, supports police investigation

The examination quality assurer, Umalusi, says it has noted with serious concern the issues of exam irregularities and leaks raised earlier on Thursday during a media briefing by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube.

During her briefing, Minister Gwarube reported cases of irregularities involving the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English Home Language examinations, which were leaked using a USB storage device.

READ: DBE establishes task team to probe likelihood of more matric exam irregularities

The Minister said the leaks involved education officials, a parent, and 26 learners from seven schools in the Pretoria area.

Umalusi spokesperson, Biki Lepota, says they are satisfied with the steps taken by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) so far, which include a task team investigation and reporting the matter to the police.

"Umalusi has noted with serious concern the issues raised during the media briefing held earlier today by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, concerning reported cases of irregularities involving NSC Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English Home Language examinations. Umalusi wishes to inform the public that it received a preliminary report on Wednesday, 10 December from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on the issues reported by the Minister. Having studied the report, Umalusi is satisfied with the steps taken by the DBE thus far, including reporting the case to the SAPS."