The Department of Basic Education has responded to allegations of leaked papers three weeks into the 2023 exams. In a statement released on Friday morning, the department poured cold water on what is described as fake social media posts that suggest some matric examination question papers have been leaked.

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“The Department of Basic Education has become aware of fake social media posts that suggest that some Matric examination question papers have leaked. The posts are fake, misleading and seek to cause unnecessary confusion and panic,” read the statement.

“The examinations are proceeding well without any major incidents reported. The Department wishes to reassure the National Senior Certificate candidates. Their parents and guardians and members of the public that there have been no examination paper leaks. Nor an announcement about any rewrite of any papers whatsoever.

“Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga has made no such announcement about any incident related to examinations,” they said.

REPORTS OF LEAKED EXAM PAPERS RUBBISHED BY DEPARTMENT

“The social media posts are a pure fabrication that are also malicious. The Department can confirm that week three of the NSC exams concludes today and since the start of the examinations, no serious irregularities have occurred.

“This implies that the measures put in place to secure the examinations are working well thus far. A total of 136 of the 231 question papers have already been written and today is day 15 of the 28-day examination period,” the statement continued.

“We wish to thank all those involved in the examinations. We also urge our learners to continue to apply their minds with diligence to this all-important examination. Not to be distracted.”