Fake news, says the Department of Education

Social media rumours are fake, says the Department of Education regarding a rumour that has been circulating about leaked examination papers in some of the country’s provinces.

Stories that have been posted on social media websites like Facebook claim that matric exam papers have been leaked on the internet.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Students urged to “Check their pockets” [VIDEO]

Here’s what to know about supposed fake news about leaked exam papers for the final 2023 examinations.

Fake news, says the Department of Education

According to a press release from the South African government, there is no truth to the social media rumours about leaked exam papers.

Several stories that have been circulating on websites like Facebook claim that copies of matric examinations have been leaked on the internet.

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The Department says in the statement that all 2023 examination papers, including those for matriculants, will remain under lock and key.

Recent social media rumours about circulating ‘leaked’ examination papers are fake.

Don’t trust fakes

Students who thought they were going to prepare with ‘fake’ matric exam papers might be in for a surprise – and find that the matriculation papers they are trying to steal won’t be available on the internet.

ALSO READ: Department of Education urges students to “check their pockets”

The Department’s notice is after several rumours mistakenly informed students about papers that could be downloaded from the internet.

Minister Angie Motshekga says there’s no truth to any of the fake stories on social media, and that it is meant to cause unnecessary embarassment to the department.

‘Check your pockets,’

In a separate press release that has been directed at South African students, matriculants have been cautioned to ‘check their pockets’ for any devices that might count as cheating on an exam.

According to the Department, notes or smartphones will not be considered ‘accidental’ if they’re found in possession of a student writing their exams.

Cheaters will be punished, and might be subject to fines and the inability to write their final examinations.

ALSO READ: Download: Full matric exam timetable 2022

Anyone who is caught leaking examination papers will be harshly punished, as this is also a potentially criminal charge.

READ MORE ARTICLES BY FRANCOIS JANSEN (‘ALEX J’)