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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed that two officials from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) have been suspended with immediate effect following a breach that saw matric exam papers leaked to learners in Pretoria.

Gwarube revealed the development during a media briefing on Thursday, saying the leak was detected through the system’s stringent marking processes. 

This year, over 900 000 candidates sat for the 2025 exams across 7 000 centres, supported by thousands of invigilators and more than 51 000 markers and moderators. 

“The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination is one of the largest and most complex national undertakings in our democracy.  

“It is through our markers’ diligence that we were able to detect a breach in our exams. This morning, I want to inform the country that our systems worked exactly as they were designed to do: to detect, isolate, investigate and address any manipulation of the NSC exams,” the Minister said. 

How the breach was detected

Marking began on 1 December at 183 centres nationwide, and early in the process, markers in Gauteng picked up an anomaly in six English Home Language Paper 2 scripts.

“The Gauteng Department of Education officially alerted the national Department of Basic Education, on 02 December 2025, to an unusual similarity between the answers provided by a candidate with the answer provided in the marking guideline for English Home Language Paper 2,” she said. 

The Minister said a preliminary investigation confirmed the suspicion.

“The breach did not come to light through rumours. It was not discovered by chance. It was detected because markers… are equipped to know the difference between authentic learner responses and content that should only be accessible to markers,” she said. 

Extent of the leak

Gwarube said interviews with 26 learners revealed that they had gained access to question papers and marking guidelines prior to examinations. Investigators traced the material back to the DBE’s national office. 

“Of the 162 papers that we had set, only 3 subjects were accessed prior to the examination: English Home Language Papers 1, 2 and 3; Mathematics Papers 1 and 2; and Physical Sciences Papers 1 and 2,” she said. 

These papers were distributed through a USB device, with the leak confined to seven schools in one Pretoria area.

“Our systems are robust. They have allowed us to identify that the suspect involved is an employee of the Department of Basic Education who has a child in Grade 12. Evidence suggests that she received the question paper from another DBE employee who works within the examination unit,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that both staff members have since been suspended.

Independent investigation launched

To ensure full accountability, Gwarube announced the establishment of a National Investigative Task Team (NITT), which will begin work within 24 hours.

The NITT will include an independent chairperson; Umalusi; Universities South Africa; Teacher Unions; SAQA; DBE officials; and a private forensic investigator.

Its mandate includes confirming the source and spread of the breach, identifying all implicated learners, safeguarding the credibility of the 2025 NSC, and recommending measures to prevent future breaches. 

Additional processes including investigative marking, verification of scripts, interviews, statistical analysis, and correlation of exam marks with school-based assessments are being deployed.

Umalusi informed, results not affected

The Minister said that Umalusi has been formally notified and will receive both a preliminary and final report before results approval.

“We want to reassure the country that no results have been finalised; no certification processes have begun and a preliminary report will be provided to the National Examination Irregularities Committee on 29 December 2025, and the final report will be submitted to both the Minister and Umalusi on 31 December 2025,” she said.

The Minister will work with the team to study the report to ensure that the department is ready to announce the results on 12 January 2026. 

“Our investigations show that this incident was limited to a few individual learners in 7 schools. There is no evidence of systematic and widespread breaches and as such we don’t expect it to affect the credibility of the NSC,” she said. 

Zero tolerance for cheating

Gwarube said the exam system is designed with multiple layers of protection, including secure setting and printing; strict distribution protocols; locked storage; trained invigilators; multi-tiered marking by skilled markers; moderation and advanced statistical verification. 

“The fact that only a limited number of scripts triggered our alarms; that markers escalated their observations as per their training; and the system responded immediately and in full force, demonstrates that our system is functioning and able to address the matter immediately.

“This sends a clear message to the public – you cannot cheat the NSC system and get away with it. We will detect it; we will investigate it; and there will be consequences,” she said. 

The Minister further urged learners to uphold integrity. 

“Your matric certificate is a symbol of your effort, your resilience, and your integrity. When you cheat, you not only break the rules but you undermine your own future.”

The Minister assured that the department “will leave no stone unturned” and that criminal investigations are underway, with the South African Police Service notified of the possession of stolen state property.

“South Africa can rest assured that any cheating in the NSC examinations will be detected. Our systems are strong, our professionals are vigilant, and we will always act to protect the integrity of our national examinations,” she said.

Next steps for the affected learners and communities

Gwarube urged calm among parents and school communities in the affected Pretoria area, stressing that the department was moving decisively while ensuring fairness. 

She said the DBE would be communicating directly with the schools involved and confirmed that the staff members suspected of orchestrating the leak have been immediately suspended.

She added that implicated learners would not be prejudged. 

“Learners who are implicated will be afforded due process and treated in accordance with established prescripts. We are not making assumptions about guilt – each case will be individually assessed,” she said. 

“We follow a zero-tolerance approach to cheating in the NSC exams and are committed to supporting innocent learners who worked hard and played no part in this breach,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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In a bold step to combat the escalating impacts of climate change, the eThekwini Municipality has officially launched the Municipal Forum for Climate Change at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).

The Forum is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform to drive the implementation of the Durban Climate Change Strategy, strengthen South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and ensure that climate action is leaves no one behind.

The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to reducing climate change impacts and aligns with the Climate Change Act, No. 22 of 2024, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2024.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba emphasised the urgency of the municipality’s climate response, recalling the catastrophic April 2022 floods that claimed more than 450 lives, displaced thousands and caused damage worth billions of rands.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Scientific evidence shows that rainfall during this event was 30% higher due to climate change, and projections indicate this figure could double by 2050-2070. We must act now to prepare for these impacts,” Xaba said on Wednesday.

The newly launched Forum will bring together civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, academia, youth representatives and other stakeholders to oversee both mitigation and adaptation efforts, with a focus on protecting vulnerable communities.

Mikateko Sithole, Director for Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation: Impact and Adaptation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), welcomed the initiative, noting that the Climate Change Act provides a clear framework for coordinated action across all spheres of government.

“Forums like this are critical to ensure that local implementation aligns with national priorities and that communities are empowered to respond effectively to climate risks,” Sithole said.

EThekwini has long been regarded as a leader in climate leadership. The municipality became the first African municipality to adopt an integrated climate change strategy in 2015 and later launched a Climate Action Plan aligned with the global 1.5°C target.

The municipality’s current policy direction is guided by the Durban Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan, approved in June 2022.

The launch programme included presentations from DFFE and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), outlining national and provincial requirements under the Act and synergies with municipal implementation.

Members were also briefed on the city’s climate plans and ongoing initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has emphasised the importance of ensuring that all South Africans have access to reliable internet connectivity.

“Connectivity cannot be static. Whether at home, at work or in transit, South Africans need reliable access to stay part of the digital economy,” the Minister said on Thursday.

He made these remarks during his visit at the Randburg Taxi Rank in Johannesburg with representatives from Sebenza and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).

Sebenza is a local company providing Wi-Fi in taxis. Access to Sebenza’s free Wi-Fi and entertainment platform onboard taxis has grown from 5.3 million in 2024 to 7 million in 2025, supported by 21 million recorded sessions in 2024 and an average dwell time of 10-15 minutes per user, reflecting highly engaged audiences.

With a national footprint spanning 8 500 taxis and buses, Sebenza is now accelerating its rollout through a strategic partnership with SANTACO positioning the organisation to deploy 50 000 taxis in the next 24 months. 

“Initiatives like Sebenza, working with partners such as SANTACO, align with our work at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to expand affordable connectivity and bridge the digital divide for South Africans.

“Accelerating digital inclusion to empower all South Africans to claim a stake in local and regional economies while participating globally, is critical. Digital Technologies continue to rapidly reshape the global economy and access for every South African is key. Such initiatives highlight real-time progress and implementation of the overall developmental objectives of our country,” Malatsi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has called for young Africans, particularly young women, to take their rightful place in science and innovation.

Speaking at the Fondation L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Programme, held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Gina noted that the gathering brought together trailblazing women scientists and the next generation of African innovators.

Hosted at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) this year, and now in its 16th year in Sub-Saharan Africa, the FWIS Programme recognises 25 doctoral and five postdoctoral women scientists, celebrating excellence, resilience, and impact across diverse scientific fields annually.

Globally, the initiative has supported more than 4 700 women researchers in over 140 countries, infused with pan-African intergenerational school engagement.

“As the children of the African continent, it is you who carry the responsibility to elevate scientific work in Africa to another level,” she said. 

Gina highlighted the historical barriers that have discouraged women from entering scientific fields, including harmful stereotypes that portray science as a male-dominated and inaccessible space.

However, she praised the Fondation L’Oréal-UNESCO partnership for producing measurable results in increasing the number of women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers, noting the enduring support for South Africa’s flagship South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA).

“Through your partnership, you have shown that you are genuine champions of the women-in-science agenda,” she said.

Turning her focus to learners, Gina urged the young women to learn science and mathematics at the school level and pursue STEM careers with confidence, reminding them that the accomplished women scientists present before them were living proof that success in science is attainable.

“Unless we deliberately push the boundaries, these realities will remain wishes. We are building an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women to thrive in science,” she said.

Deputy Minister also urged educators to encourage learners to pursue mathematics and science subjects, cautioning against prioritising high matric pass rates over quality subject choices that secure learners’ futures.

The 2025 young talents are part of a group of 30 individuals who received the Women in Science sub-Saharan Africa Awards for their promising research excellence and remarkable scientific advice.

L’Oreal Foundation’s Executive Director, Pauline Avenel-Lam, said the young talents were essential to the major challenges of the century, to build a more just, more sustainable, and more resilient world.

“Beyond your discoveries, it is your determination, your passion, your commitments to passing knowledge that drives us,” said Avenel-Lam, also urging girls and boys equally to follow suit as the future of science was also theirs to write.

Representing all the regions of Africa, the young women shared inspiring accounts of their lives as scientists. 

PhD candidate in physics at the University of Limpopo and the 2025 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award recipient, Keletso Monareng, told the audience how her curiosity in science was inspired by “energy poverty” in Africa.

Her research focuses on developing clean, affordable energy technologies that offer sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. 

Having also been encouraged by other female scientists, she sought to inspire others as well. 

“My curiosity ignited ever in me not only to just understand the world but to change it,” she said. 

Attending the event were women scientists from countries as far as Nigeria, Botswana, and Ghana, and local high school learners. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe has handed over working tools aimed at strengthening the local economy through increased food production and expanded opportunities in arts, crafts, and clothing manufacturing.

During an event held in Zwelitsha Village, Matatiele, on Wednesday, Kontsiwe handed over two hand-held tractors to Matatiele-based cooperatives that are led by youth and women, along with 30 industrial sewing machines, a pottery wheel, and a free-standing slab roller.

The initiative forms part of the department’s drive to empower women, youth and people with disabilities, by supporting small enterprises and developing farmers.

The department has invested R198 000 for hand-held tractors, which Kontsiwe said will provide much needed means of production for emerging farmers, while creating job opportunities and alleviating poverty.

The Matatiele handover also marked the launch of a pilot programme that will see farmers across all districts assisted with the 14 hand-held tractors procured by the department.

Kontsiwe said she was inspired by the number of young people entering the agricultural sector, adding that she was hopeful that other young people will follow suit.

“Tractors are in high demand but very expensive, so we explored hand-held tillers. With these machines, it is easy to cover large tracts of land. We are piloting this programme, and I am happy that young people appreciate the tools. We hope communities across the province will embrace them,” the MEC said.

She emphasised that the department wanted to enhance food security with programmes, such as Ilima Lokulima that encourages people to get together, plant their gardens and eradicate poverty.

One of the beneficiaries, owner of Shiya’s and Son enterprise, Luvo Mxhakaza (28), said the hand-held tractor will significantly improve productivity on his four-hectare vegetable farm.

“This will assist me a lot in planting, ploughing, and removing weeds. I used to rely on spades and forks, but this machine will make my work easier and inspire me to grow more vegetables,” Mxhakaza said.

Mxhakaza, who began farming in 2022, employs at least three people during planting and harvesting seasons, whilst selling vegetables to hawkers and supermarkets in Matatiele.

In addition to the agricultural equipment, the department invested R504 224 in industrial machines, a pottery wheel and a free-standing slab roller that benefitted 16 enterprises comprising 25 beneficiaries across the Alfred Nzo District.

Kontsiwe said the sewing and industrial machines were meant to help improve garments and products quality produced by mostly women-owned clothing and textile enterprises.

“My dream is to see their clothes being sold by reputable clothing stores,” she said.

Ntombizodwa Lithole, owner of Mthimkhulu Enterprise, welcomed the industrial and overlocker sewing machine, saying it will help improve the quality of work and meet the growing demand.

“I have been battling to keep up with the demand, but now the machines will be a relief. I will also be able to hire someone to assist me, and for that I am grateful to the department,” Lithole said.

The department said these interventions are designed to boost the production of grain, vegetables and livestock production; increase food security; and promote growth in the clothing and textile sector as sectors that focus more on development of farmers and rural small businesses. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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