Potential leak of matric results allegedly sold for R100. Image credit: MSN
Potential leak of matric results allegedly sold for R100. Image credit: MSN
(The Post News)- Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has urged the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to investigate allegations regarding the sale of matric exam results online for R100. These claims, which emerged (in) a social media post, have provoked significant concern, especially since the official release of the 2024 matric results.
“If these allegations are true, they must be resolved swiftly to reassure South Africans that the education system remains secure and free from unethical practices,” Makaneta asserted. He stressed the necessity for an internal investigation and further called on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to guarantee transparency and accountability.
Makaneta cautioned that, if a breach of data security has indeed occurred, it could infringe upon learners’ rights to privacy and undermine public trust in the education system. However, it is crucial to address these issues promptly, because the implications could extend beyond immediate concerns.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has told the public that a possible leak of the 2024 matric results won’t affect the reliability of the outcomes. At a press conference, Gwarube confirmed reports about a private company selling matric results for R100. This company called their results “legitimate” and promised to give money back if they couldn’t deliver the results.
“This situation is exceedingly grave because if there has indeed been a breach in our system, it fundamentally undermines trust,” Gwarube stated. She elaborated that the department had become cognizant of the purported breach 48 hours earlier and promptly sought the aid of both the Hawks and state security agencies to conduct an investigation.
Gwarube specified that the possible breach seems to have transpired at the concluding phase of the results verification process. She reassured South Africans that the inquiry is ongoing; however, due to its sensitive nature, only limited details can be disclosed.
The company implicated in the allegations, Edumarks, asserts that it is the exclusive distributor of “legitimate” National Senior Certificate results, which are delivered via email for a fee. But, questions have emerged regarding how the company obtained this information, its accuracy and the potential infringement on learners’ privacy (although the company defends its practices).
Numerous individuals have reported(ly) paying the R100 fee, however, they were unable to access their results; this has further fueled suspicions.
Gwarube confirmed that both state security and cybercrime experts are currently investigating the source of the breach. “We suspect cybercrime and the Hawks have assured us that their investigation is at an advanced stage,” she stated.
The minister emphasized that in case the breach be located to the department, punishment would ensue. She as well as reprimanded the exploitation of learners by such people who want to make money out of their fears before the official release of the results.
“We will owe a complete investigation report to our fellow Africans once we finish the investigation. For the time being, I hereby request everyone to come down and think about waiting for the official release of the matric results,” Gwarube concluded.
This evolving incident has, consequently of late, evoked the attention of South Africans at large who are now activists for the paralysis measures, and, in this case, security of the educational program in South Africa.
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