Umalusi Addresses NSC Exam Irregularities

Quality assurance body Umalusi has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the reported irregularities involving the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English Home Language examinations. The matter was first raised publicly during a media briefing by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, on Thursday.

According to Umalusi, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) submitted a preliminary report on Wednesday, 10 December. After reviewing the document, the council said it is satisfied with the actions taken so far, including the DBE’s decision to report the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Umalusi also welcomed the ongoing investigations aimed at determining the scale of the irregularities.

The DBE will present the full findings to Umalusi’s Executive Committee during its results-approval meetings scheduled for 6–8 January 2026.

To safeguard the integrity and independence of the investigation processes, Umalusi announced it will not engage further with the media on this matter until 9 January 2026. On that date, the council will issue a formal statement on the conduct and management of the 2025 end-of-year examinations.

Umalusi assured the Class of 2025, their families, and higher-education institutions that the investigation will not delay the release of results for learners who are not implicated in the irregularities.