Backlash Over Skomota Exam Topic Prompts Investigation by Education Department
The Department of Education is facing backlash after the emergence of an exam question featuring the controversial internet sensation Skomota.
The department has raised doubts about the authenticity of the exam paper, suggesting it could have been manipulated.
Questionable Exam Content
An arts question paper from the Life Orientation subject surfaced recently, showing two photos of Skomota, whose real name is Thabang Sefala.
The paper asked learners to answer three questions about the dancer, offering 10 marks for correct responses. Skomota is known for his antics on social media, where he is often seen drinking, touching women, or performing his signature “Skomota Dance.”
Department Responds to Controversy
Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the National Department of Basic Education, addressed the controversy in an interview with ZiMoja. Mhlanga stated,
“DBE would not know if this were real or not because schools set their own exams for learners under grade 12. There are no national exams but internal exams which means a school could do something like this for their own purposes.”
Mhlanga further suggested the possibility of manipulation, saying,
“It could easily be a manipulated document.”
Despite these doubts, Mhlanga promised to investigate the matter with other education departments across the nine provinces.
I will, however, check with my colleagues from the provinces if they know anything about it,” he added.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reactions
The inclusion of Skomota in the exam has sparked significant public outrage. Critics argue that using a controversial figure like Skomota in an educational context is inappropriate. The exam paper has been widely circulated on social media, drawing both criticism and mockery.
Investigation Underway
The Department of Education’s investigation will seek to determine the origins of the exam paper and whether it was officially sanctioned by any school or educational body. The outcome of this investigation will likely influence future guidelines on the appropriateness of exam content and the vetting process for educational materials.
