A probe is under way into a fake matric school at DUT after hundreds of learners arrived to write National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams without legitimate examination numbers. The outfit, called “Matric Scholars,” allegedly operated on Durban University of Technology premises. It charged more than R8,000 per learner. The KZN DA’s education spokesperson, Sakhile Mngadi, said the entity does not appear on the Department of Education’s database.
DUT Launches Investigation
DUT acknowledged the concerns and confirmed it is investigating “an entity known as ‘Matric Scholars.’” The university said it “will provide factual responses to the queries that have been raised.” The DA wants DUT to explain “how an unregistered institution was allowed to operate within its facilities.” This is because campus presence may have given the scheme false legitimacy.
Calls for Urgent Learner Support
The DA, a partner in KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity, has called for immediate relief for affected learners. It urges the Department of Education to place them at recognised special matric centres—commonly known as Dokkies. These centres handle late or supplementary entries. “We also call for urgent action by the DoE to assist all affected learners,” Mngadi said. The party plans to meet families to ensure cases are recorded. They aim to guide learners into legitimate examination pathways.
Laws Cited and Next Steps
The DA argues the operation may violate the South African Schools Act (Section 46) and the 2018 Examinations Regulations. These require all finishing schools and exam centres to register with the Department of Basic Education. It also urges awareness campaigns to warn the public about unregistered centres. Meanwhile, DUT’s probe continues and the university has promised to respond once facts are established.
As the investigation progresses, families should verify any centre with the Department before paying fees. The fake matric school at DUT case highlights the need for tighter oversight. Swift support for learners who trusted the fake matric school at DUT is also necessary.
