The Department of Basic Education (DBE) wishes to distance itself from a fake Social Media Page purporting to offer ‘’Genuine’’ Matric Certificates at a cost of R1500. Of particular concern is the exploitation of desperate and often destitute individuals seeking to improve their lives.

‘’It is important that the Department alert members of the public to this as it threatens the integrity of the NSC Examination process as well as brining into question the security and authenticity of the Matric Certificate’’, said Head of Assessments Dr Rufus Poliah    

The Department wishes to reiterate that:

• The DBE is aware of members of the public who are fraudulently producing and offering to sell fake Matric Certificates.

• UMALUSI is the only examinations quality assurance body.

• Matric Certificates carry security features.

• Members of the public engaging in this practice will face the might of the law as this amounts to fraud.

The selling of these fake certificates comes as the curtain closes on the 2019 academic calendar as schools break for the holidays with the first day of the 2020 academic calendar set for 15 January 2020.

We urge all our learners to be safe and refrain from getting involved in dangerous activities as we observed in the past.

In the meantime, marking of NSC Scripts continues at marking centres in provinces across the country and results will be made available to candidates at their examination centres, the Departments website as well as accredited media houses.

The DBE once again urges all persons to be vigilant in this time and to be cognisant of the fact that UMALUSI is the only legal entity through which the DBE issues Matric Certificates.

Media Enquiries: Elijah Mhlanga – Departmental Spokesperson - 083 580 8275                                   Terence Khala -  Media Relations Officer – 081 758 1546

                             ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION