AI fake poster claims matric English paper leaked. 964,000 candidates are writing.

An AI-generated poster claiming the National Senior Certificate English Paper 3 examination had leaked is false, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said, and the department will hand it to law enforcement for investigation and possible prosecution.

Gwarube said the claim was baseless and was designed to disrupt the examination process and to prejudice the more than 964,000 candidates writing matric this year. “This deliberate spread of disinformation during this critical period is irresponsible and undermines the preparation and aspirations of learners across the country,” she said.

The Minister was at Thembisa West Secondary School on Thursday to monitor the writing of English Paper 3. She confirmed that the examination security systems were operating smoothly and that no leaks or other irregularities had been reported across all provinces.

The Department of Basic Education said the integrity of the 2026 NSC examination has not been compromised, and assured learners, parents and the public of that position.

It said it will report the fake news poster to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution, describing the material as an attempt to undermine the national social contract between the department and South Africans over the NSC examinations.

The public has been urged not to fall for or circulate unverified information intended to create panic and disrupt learners.

The 2026 NSC examinations began on Tuesday, 13 October.

SAnews (South African Government News Agency) published the Minister’s statement and the department’s position at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/minister-gwarube-condemns-nsc-exams-fake-news-article. This report is drawn from that statement, which is a summary of the department’s position rather than the underlying record of the examination or of any investigation.