Matric Mathematics Paper 2 has been leaked, the Department of Basic Education revealed in a statement on Monday.
The paper became “available” hours before learners could write the exam at 09h00, the Department said, adding that it had verified the question paper and found it to be the same as the one the learners were set to write.
Origins of leak not clear
It added, “The origins of the leak are not clear as yet, but the matric candidates who had access to the question paper appear to be located in the Limpopo and Gauteng provinces.
“The Department of Basic Education is investigating the matter to establish the extent of the leak. Early sources point to the confinement of the leakage to a few learners located in these two provinces.”
Investigations are underway and the Department will rope in law enforcement agencies to assist, it said.
The Department vowed to use “mechanisms at its disposal” to identify learners who may have had access to the leaked paper.
Culprits ‘will be dealt with’
It stated, “An appeal is made to all candidates to remain focused on the examination papers that are still to be written and be assured that the culprits that are at the centre of this despicable act will be dealt with harshly.
“Anybody with information regarding this matter must contact the Department of Basic Education and your anonymity will be guaranteed.
“The Department of Basic Education remains committed to ensuring the credibility and integrity of this important public examination.”
Matric (National Senior Certificate) exams started on 5 November and will end on 15 December, 2020.
The government combined it with the June Senior Certificate because of COVID-19 disruptions earlier this year. A total of 1,058,699 were scheduled to sit for the exams.
“We certainly have never had to manage a number that large before. It is going to be a huge task, but one that we will need to ensure is managed and coordinated smoothly,” Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said in October.