Department of Basic Education's rapid response to NSC exam leaks commended
The Portfolio Committee on Education has welcomed the establishment of a multi-disciplinary task team to investigate the leak of seven matric exam papers in Tshwane.
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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has welcomed the swift action taken by the Department of Basic Education to establish a National Investigative Task Team to probe the leaking of seven National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination papers.
The exam papers for English, Mathematics and Physical Science were leaked prior to the exams the DBE confirmed on Thursday, with at least seven Tshwane schools involved. However the full extent of the breach is under investigation.
The committee confirmed that it had received a formal notification from the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, outlining the breach involving seven Pretoria schools.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Joy Maimela, said the committee “notes the seriousness of the matter and welcomes the swift action taken by the Department of Basic Education to contain the incident and protect the integrity of the examination system.”
Reaffirming the centrality of the NSC to South Africa’s education system, Maimela emphasised that the credibility of the exams cannot be compromised.
“Every learner, parent, educator and institution must have full confidence that the examination outcomes are credible, fair and reliable,” she said.
She added that the committee “welcomes the establishment of a National Investigative Task Team to investigate the matter” and noted the multidisciplinary composition of the body, which includes “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 breach was identified on December 2. To date, seven schools in Pretoria and 26 learners have been linked to the compromised materials.
The committee also acknowledged the precautionary suspension of two departmental 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,” Maimela stated.
She confirmed that Parliament will maintain active oversight as the investigation progresses.
“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,” she said.
National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) executive director Basil Manuel also welcomed the transparency demonstrated by the DBE regarding the breach.
“We are, however deeply disturbed and disappointed by the actions of the two DBE employees identified as the alleged sources of the leak. This breach constitutes a criminal offence and we therefore support the temporary suspension of implicated individuals as well as the involvement of the South African Police Service.”