Exam paper leaks raise concerns about level of security at DBE

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation (NAPTOSA) says the manner in which the seven 2025 examination papers were leaked raises concerns about the level of security at the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

This after the department revealed that investigations indicate that the question papers were shared through a USB device.

The breach happened in seven schools in Pretoria.

The department has since suspended two of its employees suspected of leaking the papers.

NAPTOSA Executive Director Basil Manuel says, “Is access so easy that somebody can take a USB into a secure facility and download papers, there’s something wrong. And so it says that there was a level of trust which maybe should not be there. Maybe the security should be stepped up that even though we want to trust the people, we trust you, but nevertheless let’s check that nothing can go wrong. And remember, it’s not only the papers that went, but also the marking memorandums. And that makes it really difficult because my understanding always is that these things are not always together.”