Matric class of 2025 shines, but exam leak raises red flags

The Matric class of 2025 has achieved a record-breaking 88% matric pass rate, the highest in the country’s history. 

Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi describes the results as 'extraordinary', pointing to years of sustained improvement driven by stronger performance in gateway subjects and an increase in bachelor passes that allow learners access to university studies.

"Historically, we come from below 50%, to be precise, as a country, when it comes to the matric results. The educators have been working very hard; the department has been working very hard to turn the situation around, and what they have achieved is indeed commendable.

"My observation is that the focus has been on the gateway subjects and also the focus has been on improving the bachelor passes that allow students to proceed into universities, and that is hard work because once it is true that we've got 88%, we don't only have to look at quantity, we have to look at the quality of the results.”

However, the celebrations have been slightly overshadowed by a localised leak of National Senior Certificate exam papers in Pretoria.

The breach affected a small number of candidates and involved mathematics, physical sciences and English Home Language papers, raising fresh concerns about exam security and oversight.

Rakometsi confirms that the leak was the result of systemic failures within the Education Department, including poor vetting and monitoring of officials working in examination units.

"It is a very, very unfortunate incident that has dented and tainted the image of our processes. That an official employed in the Department and trusted with such huge responsibilities finds it fitting to leak the paper is worrisome. It's something that we have to actually correct in the system.

"It was the question of trust with this official, having worked in the exam section for 17 years. The system is as strong as the people working it. One person can undermine the whole system."

Two departmental officials have been suspended, a criminal investigation is underway, and affected learners face disciplinary hearings that could result in bans from writing exams for up to three years.

To listen to Rakometsi in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: