Minister Gwarube confirms investigation is underway into reports that matric results were leaked

Minister Gwarube confirms investigation is underway into reports that matric results were leaked! Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed an investigation into allegations that matric exam results were leaked and made available for purchase online. This comes after claims surfaced that matriculants could obtain their results through a website for a fee of R100.

Hawks Called In to Investigate

The Department of Basic Education has enlisted the help of the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, to probe the matter. Minister Gwarube emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the department is working to uncover the source of the breach and ensure accountability.

Speaking on the issue, Gwarube assured the public that the investigation is being treated as a priority:

“The breach seems to have happened only at the tail end that pertains to the verified results that have already been finalized. The reason why I make that distinction clear is so that it can be clear to everybody that we are talking about the results themselves that very well may have been leaked.”

Upcoming Results Announcement

Despite the controversy, the minister confirmed that the integrity of the matric results remains intact. She reassured the public that the leak, while concerning, does not undermine the validity of the exams themselves.

The official announcement of the matric results is scheduled for later on Monday, with individual results expected to be available to matriculants on Tuesday.

In 2024, nearly 833,000 matriculants sat for their final exams. The Basic Education Department has emphasized that it remains committed to upholding the credibility of the examination process and ensuring a fair outcome for all learners.

Public Concerns

News of the alleged leak has sparked significant public concern. Many South Africans have taken to social media to express their frustration and demand stronger security measures to prevent future breaches.

One concerned parent wrote:

“How can something as important as matric results be handled so carelessly? This undermines the hard work of the students.”

Others have called for severe penalties for those found responsible, with some suggesting that this incident highlights deeper systemic issues within the education system.

Protecting the Examination Process

The Department of Basic Education has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the matric examination process. In recent years, the department has implemented stricter measures to prevent leaks, including enhanced security protocols during the transportation and marking of exam scripts.

However, the recent allegations suggest that vulnerabilities remain, particularly during the final stages of result verification and release.

Ensuring Accountability

The Hawks’ involvement in the investigation is expected to provide additional resources and expertise to identify those responsible for the breach. Minister Gwarube stressed that anyone found guilty of compromising the examination process would face the full force of the law.

In a statement, the minister said:

“We will not allow the actions of a few to undermine the hard work and dedication of our learners and educators. This is a matter of national importance, and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.”

Moving Forward

While the investigation continues, the department is urging matriculants and their families to remain patient and to access their results through official channels. The department has also warned against using unverified websites or third-party services that claim to provide exam results.

As the nation awaits the official release of the matric results, the focus remains on ensuring that this year’s outcomes reflect the hard work and dedication of South Africa’s learners. For the nearly 833,000 matriculants who sat for the exams, the hope is that their achievements will not be overshadowed by the actions of a few bad actors.

The outcome of the Hawks’ investigation will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how breaches of this nature are handled in the future.

The post Minister Gwarube confirms investigation is underway into reports that matric results were leaked appeared first on News365.co.za.