Matric learners who are currently writing their final exams can continue preparing for their studies without concern.

This reassurance comes after the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) dismissed allegations that exam integrity in the province is under threat due to corruption in school security tenders.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that these accusations, which were made by the DA, were completely unfounded and largely driven by a sensationalised article in the Sunday World that amplified unverified claims.

“According to information at our disposal, since the commencement of the NSC examinations, there has been no record of any breach in security that could compromise the integrity or facilitation of the NSC examination process in Gauteng,” said Mabona.

He confirmed that all storage and distribution points have been allocated adequate security in line with norms and standards and that no question papers or scripts have been reported as compromised.

“All matric exam papers are handled exclusively by GDE examination officials and not by any external service providers,” he added.

After outlining these facts, Mabona criticised the recent Sunday World article that repeated the DA’s allegations, saying it was based on unverified claims.

He said the article irresponsibly questioned the integrity of the NSC examinations by relying solely on a statement from the DA.

“This unfortunate article relies solely on a statement issued by the DA and is essentially constructed purely on hearsay. The article says the DA claims that a whistle-blower claims there is corruption. They reported this chain of allegations as fact, without even a comment from the department itself.

“We strongly believe that the article is misleading. It amplifies speculation and manufactures a crisis where none exists,” he said.

Mabona added that the DA’s claims point to a clear and disturbing indication that the DA’s obsession and concerted efforts to assassinate Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s character have gone astray, desperately searching for any opportunity to portray the premier in a negative light.

“It is therefore unfortunate and irresponsible for anyone to opportunistically share information that questions the integrity of the NSC examinations without any basis.”

The department’s response follows concerns raised by the DA on November 12, claiming that a whistle-blower had exposed systemic corruption in the GDE’s school security tender processes.

DA MPL Bronwynn Engelbrecht demanded a forensic investigation into the allegations, saying the integrity of exams and the safety of learners were at risk.

“According to the whistle-blower, senior officials within the GDE were allegedly involved in manipulating tenders responsible for securing matric examination papers,” she said.

Engelbrecht claimed the whistle-blower alleged that certain security companies were pre-selected to receive tenders in exchange for kickbacks ranging from 10% to 20%.

She said the companies were allegedly rotated under different names and directors to disguise ownership links.

“Senior officials are accused of collecting kickbacks, forcing certain companies through the system, and side-lining staff who tried to stop the wrongdoing.”

She claimed that unqualified security providers were placed in schools and at exam storage points, which may have compromised the integrity of the examination paper movement.

Engelbrecht also argued that officials who tried to report problems were pushed aside, while others remained in power.

“This is happening under the watch of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who has not curbed corruption in this department, despite lofty promises. It is unacceptable that money meant to protect learners and schools has been diverted to line the pockets of corrupt individuals.”

She described the alleged tender manipulation as not merely a financial crime but a breach of duty to learners, teachers, and parents, arguing that school safety and the credibility of matric exams were at stake.

“When tenders are manipulated, schools become unsafe, learners’ futures are placed at risk, and it jeopardises the credibility of matric exams,” she said.

The DA said it would pressure the Gauteng Provincial Government to suspend any implicated officials while ensuring the release of tender evaluation, renewal, and payment records from the 2016 to 2024 financial years.

Engelbrecht said a DA-led provincial government would have already initiated a forensic investigation, fired implicated officials, and blacklisted involved companies to prevent them from doing business with the state.

“The DA will not allow corruption to rob our children of safety, dignity, and opportunity,” she added.

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