Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

12 November, 2018

Press statement regarding stolen matric biology papers is a fake.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

We have taken note of the fake press statement that appears to be doing its rounds on social media and in whatsapp groups.

From the screenshot that we have received, the press statement appears on a Western Cape Government Media Release Document and indicates that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Biology Paper was stolen by a hacker from the WCED website.

NSC Candidates across the province wrote Life Sciences 2 on Monday morning.

Exam papers are not stored on a website and it is impossible for the papers to be hacked.

This statement is a fake.

There is also reportedly a fake news report that the NSC Geography Paper 1 needs to be rewritten - this is also not true.

We condemn these selfish acts, that aim to distract learners and cause questions around the integrity of the examinations. This also adds additional stress to learners who are already stressed at this difficult time.

I understand that the distribution of the fake press statement has been cause for alarm amongst our NSC candidates. I wish to assure you that these reports are fake and I encourage you to remain focused for the last couple of weeks of the NSC.

I also urge parents and learners to not share information that has not been validated that can cause widespread panic.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Tel: 021 483 6570
E-mail: Jessica.Shelver@westerncape.gov.za