Herman Mashaba Asks Education Minister to Verify Controversial Grade 10 Exam Question

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has called on Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to clarify the authenticity of a Grade 10 examination question paper containing a question about how many South Africans harbour hatred towards foreign nationals.

Mashaba raised the issue publicly, directly tagging the minister and asking whether the examination paper was genuine and whether the controversial question had received approval from the Department of Basic Education.

The question has drawn attention because of its reference to hostility towards foreign nationals in South Africa, a subject that remains sensitive amid ongoing public debates about immigration, undocumented migration and the treatment of people from other African countries.

In his message, Mashaba did not establish whether the examination paper was authentic. Instead, he asked the minister to confirm whether the document originated from an official examination process and whether the department had authorised the inclusion of the question.

His intervention places responsibility on the education authorities to address concerns about the paper and explain the context in which the question was set, if it is genuine.

The wording of an examination question is particularly important because learners are expected to engage with educational material that is appropriate, accurate and aligned with the relevant curriculum. Questions touching on sensitive social and political issues may also require careful framing to ensure that they encourage critical thinking without promoting prejudice or presenting disputed claims as established facts.

South Africa has experienced heated discussions about immigration, with different political organisations and community groups expressing concerns about migration, employment, public services and the presence of undocumented foreign nationals. These debates have sometimes been accompanied by hostility towards immigrants, making the subject especially sensitive in public institutions.

Mashaba’s question to Gwarube therefore seeks clarity on whether the examination material reflects an officially approved departmental position or whether the paper may have been circulated without proper authorisation.

The minister’s response will be important in establishing the origin of the document and explaining the circumstances surrounding the question.

For now, Mashaba has asked for clarification rather than confirmed that the paper is authentic or that the Department of Basic Education approved the wording.

https://x.com/HermanMashaba/status/2119172002082677055

If you liked this story, please follow or tip the author to help them write more!

Feranmi [email protected]