Basic Education warns of fake matric certificates

THE Basic Education Department (DBE) has distanced itself from a fake social media page purporting to offer ‘’genuine’’ matric certificates at a cost of R1 500. 

‘’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 bringing into question the security and authenticity of the matric certificate,’’ said department Head of Assessments Dr Rufus Poliah.

The department reiterated that it is aware of members of the public who are fraudulently producing and offering to sell fake matric certificates and reminded the public that 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 department said in a statement.

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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.

“Of particular concern is the exploitation of desperate and often destitute individuals seeking to improve their lives.

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

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