Summary
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has dismissed allegations that the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations are at risk due to alleged corruption in security tender processes. The department insists that all matric exam materials remain secure and that no breach has occurred at any stage of the exam cycle.
NewsArticle
Introduction
With thousands of Grade 12 learners currently writing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, concerns have emerged following claims of flawed tender processes linked to the security of matric exam papers. These allegations, reportedly based on whistleblower information, suggest systemic corruption in the awarding of school security contracts.
The Gauteng Department of Education has responded with a firm rejection of these claims, stating that the integrity of the 2025 matric examinations remains intact.
Origins of the Allegations
According to a report shared by the Democratic Alliance (DA), a whistleblower accused senior Gauteng education officials of manipulating tender processes for school security services. The allegations claim that certain companies were preselected to receive contracts in exchange for kickbacks ranging between 10% and 20%.
These tenders reportedly relate to security operations responsible for protecting matric examination papers during storage, distribution, and administration.
The DA’s statement immediately triggered public concern, prompting the GDE to clarify its position.
GDE Condemns Claims as ‘Misleading’
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona spoke out strongly against the allegations, describing the report as misleading and based solely on political motives.
Mabona argued that the report lacked factual evidence and said it appeared to be an attempt by the DA to discredit Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. According to him, the claims do not reflect the reality of the department’s internal processes or its security protocols.
He stated that the GDE “rejects the report” entirely and insists that the department’s examination safeguards remain robust.
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No Evidence of Any Security Breach
The GDE reaffirmed that there has been no incident—before or during the NSC 2025 examinations—that suggests a compromise of security.
Key points highlighted by Mabona include:
- All exam storage and distribution facilities are secured according to national norms and standards.
- Question papers are transported and handled only by trained GDE Examination officials.
- No external service provider has access to exam papers or scripts.
- No leak, suspicious activity, or compromised document has been reported.
These measures, the department says, ensure the integrity and confidentiality of every examination paper distributed across the province.
MEC Chiloane Urges Responsible Information Sharing
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane called for caution and responsibility when sharing information relating to matric exams. He emphasised that unverified claims create unnecessary panic among learners and parents, especially during a time as critical as the NSC examinations.
Chiloane described the spread of unverified allegations as “unfortunate and irresponsible,” urging stakeholders to rely on official communication channels rather than politically motivated statements or rumours.
The department insists that misleading information undermines the hard work of learners and teachers who have dedicated the year to exam preparation.
Exam Security Measures in Place
To reassure the public, the GDE has outlined the systems it uses to maintain exam integrity. These include:
Controlled Access
Only authorised examination officials are permitted to handle question papers, ensuring a secure chain of custody.
Secure Storage Sites
Exam papers are stored in multiple high-security locations monitored according to national protocols.
Strict Transport Procedures
Question papers are escorted by GDE officials and distributed on tightly controlled timelines.
Daily Monitoring
District and provincial examination teams conduct daily checks to verify the integrity of storage and distribution processes.
These mechanisms, the department says, prevent tampering, leaks, and any form of external interference.
Impact of Allegations on Learners
Although the department has dismissed the claims, the controversy has caused concern among matriculants and their families. Many learners are already under significant pressure during exam season, and misinformation can contribute to added stress.
The GDE urged learners to focus on their examinations and assured them that their results and efforts will not be jeopardised by the allegations.
Department Warns Against Spreading False Information
The GDE has appealed to political parties, organisations, and individuals to refrain from circulating unverified claims during exam periods. The department argues that preserving the credibility of the matric exams is essential, and therefore public communication should be grounded in verified facts.
Officials stressed that they remain committed to transparency and accountability but will not tolerate attempts to erode public confidence through unsupported accusations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the Gauteng matric exams compromised?
No. The GDE states that there have been no breaches, leaks, or compromised exam papers in the province.
2. What triggered the allegations?
A report based on information shared by a whistleblower claimed senior officials manipulated security tenders for exam protection services.
3. Who is responsible for handling exam papers?
Only GDE Examination officials manage question papers and scripts. No external company touches or transports exam documents.
4. Has any question paper been leaked in Gauteng?
No leaks have been reported since the beginning of the 2025 NSC examination period.
5. What security measures are in place?
Controlled storage facilities, monitored distribution systems, strict handling procedures, and daily compliance checks are used to secure the exam process.
6. How should parents and learners stay informed?
The GDE recommends relying on official departmental statements and verified updates rather than political commentary or social media rumours.
Conclusion
The Gauteng Department of Education has firmly rejected all claims suggesting that the 2025 matric exams are at risk due to corruption within school security tenders. The department maintains that all exam processes—from storage to distribution—remain secure and that no evidence indicates a breach of integrity.
As examinations continue across the province, the GDE encourages learners to remain focused and assures the public that the NSC exams are being administered under strict national security protocols.
