The Department of Basic Education says an investigation into the recent cheating scandal concerning schools and Grade 12 learners in the Manyeleti circuit in Mpumalanga, is expected to be concluded before the results are announced next week.

According to reports, a whistle-blower alleged that 370 Grade 12 learners from three Mpumalanga schools had received answers to papers from teachers during their exams.

It is alleged that the teachers were paid as much as R1 500 to send the correct answers to some learners on a WhatsApp group chat. This practice has allegedly been termed the ‘Road to Varsity’.

The spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, Elijah Mhlanga, says, “The outcome will be released on Thursday. It will be handed over to the Umalusi council and they will make the announcement.”

When the news of the alleged cheating broke in December, the education department released a statement confirming that an investigation is under way and saying it views the cheating allegations in a serious light.

Last year the education department said it will await the outcome of the investigation before determining the cause of action to be undertaken going forward.

The matric results will be announced on Friday, January 20.