The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has urged education authorities to tighten security ahead of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams to prevent paper leaks.

The 2025 NSC exams begin on Tuesday.

SADTU also wished all candidates sitting for the 2025 NSC exams the best of luck.

“To the learners, we say: remain disciplined and avoid any conduct that could jeopardise your chances of obtaining that all-important National Senior Certificate. Believe in your abilities, stay focused, and finish strong,” the union said.

“To our teachers, we call on you to continue displaying professionalism and integrity as you invigilate and mark these examinations.”

SADTU further encouraged families to provide learners with the necessary emotional and physical support throughout the examination period.

“We urge provincial departments of education and schools to strengthen security measures to prevent any examination paper leaks, as such incidents compromise the integrity and credibility of the entire examination process,” the statement added.

Despite concerns over potential irregularities and cheating, Umalusi, the education quality assurance body, has given the go-ahead for the 2025 matric exams.

More than one million learners are expected to write their end-of-year exams at about 9,400 examination centres starting on Tuesday.

Addressing the media in Pretoria last week, Umalusi chief executive Dr Mafu Rakometsi confirmed the body’s readiness to oversee the examination process. 

He said that while some areas of concern had been identified, they would not jeopardise the integrity of the exams.

The body conducted an audit assessing the readiness of public and private assessment entities, including the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute, to conduct the 2025 national exams for specific qualifications.

According to Umalusi, exam centres have been classified as low, medium, or high risk based on factors such as past involvement in irregularities, whether they are private centres – especially private colleges administering DHET exams or centres administering the NSC exams for the first time.

Rakometsi said the body would not disclose the location of the high-risk centres to prevent exploitation of their past weaknesses.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi extended his best wishes to the Class of 2025 as they prepare to sit for their examinations.

“On behalf of the Gauteng provincial government, I wish the Class of 2025 all the best in their upcoming final examinations. May your hard work and dedication throughout the year bear fruit as you prepare for these exams, which mark the culmination of your basic education,” Lesufi said.

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier also conveyed his well wishes.

“We wish our candidates all the best for the final days of revision, and look forward to celebrating with them when the results are released,” Maynier said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Basic Education Sibiwe Gwarube is expected to host a press briefing on Monday, October 20, to present the state of readiness for the 2025 National Senior Certificate Examinations.

Gwarube will announce the national and provincial pass rates on Monday, January 12, 2026, with individual results to be released the following day.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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