The Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Tuesday refuted claims that the cost of printing matric exam papers had surged to R3.6 billion following a switch to private printers. Responding to a City Press article, the DBE clarified that the reported amount covers the full administration of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, not just printing costs. The previous expenditure on printing was R1.6 billion. The department explained that the R3.6 billion figure includes various expenses such as setting and moderating papers, transportation, security, and the marking process.
While City Press reported that eight out of nine provinces had moved their printing operations from the Government Printing Works (GPW) to private companies, the DBE noted that the cost increases were due to the broader scope of exam management. Printing alone accounted for a fraction of the total, estimated at R220 million. The department further emphasized that the new arrangement allowed for more efficient and secure printing logistics, particularly as GPW could not handle the volume of exam papers required for all provinces.
The DBE also addressed concerns over the move away from GPW, stating that there is no national mandate forcing provinces to use the government printer. Provincial education departments have the autonomy to choose their printers through formal procurement processes. The department clarified that the shift was a practical decision, as private companies offered better capacity and security for exam printing, reducing risks associated with centralizing the operation at GPW
