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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on Thursday welcomed the establishment of a National Investigative Task Team following the breach detected in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The committee received a formal notification from the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, regarding the breach involving seven schools in Pretoria. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, said the committee notes the seriousness of the matter and welcomes the swift action taken by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to contain the incident and protect the integrity of the examination system.

The Chairperson stressed that safeguarding the integrity of the NSC is a national priority. “Every learner, parent, educator and institution must have full confidence that the examination outcomes are credible, fair and reliable,” she said. “The committee, therefore, welcomes the establishment of a National Investigative Task Team to investigate the matter. We also note that the task team will comprise an independent chairperson, Umalusi, the South African Qualifications Authority, teacher unions, DBE officials and a private forensic investigator, who will have the mandate to determine the full extent of the breach and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.”

The committee noted that the breach was identified on 2 December 2025 and, so far, seven schools in Pretoria and 26 learners have been identified. They will be interviewed to determine whether they had prior access to the compromised material. The committee also welcomed the precautionary suspension of two officials suspected of involvement. “We view these allegations in a very serious light, particularly as they point to a breach of trust by individuals entrusted with a critical national function,” said Ms Maimela.

“The committee will continue to exercise vigilant oversight throughout the investigation process. We will call for briefings on the progress at appropriate intervals, ensure that progress reports are tabled and monitor the implementation of any recommendations arising from the National Investigative Task Team’s findings,” said the Chairperson.

Ms Maimela said the committee remains concerned about the departmental officials allegedly involved in the breach. She said this will have a huge impact on young people who were preparing for their final school examinations. She called on stakeholders to ensure that the actions of a small number of individuals do not unfairly disadvantage the class of 2025. “Ensuring accountability, transparency and fairness in how the matter is handled will be central to our oversight role.”

The committee also urged the department to improve and strengthen its NSC examination security protocols continuously. “This will go a long way in protecting the credibility of the NSC,” she said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela