Hoax call to matric counselling line disappoints department

The Command Centre was opened to matriculants who may be anxious about their examination results. 

According to the department, a radio presenter from a Johannesburg community station posed as a distressed matric learner.

The department's Lumka Oliphant says the caller is heard telling the social worker that she did not see her name in the newspaper and she "thinks" she has failed.

"The incident was unfortunate as the time wasted on the hoax call could have been used constructively to assist a learner or people who really needed the support," says Oliphant.

Oliphant says the social worker who took the call advised the caller to call the number provided by the Department of Basic Education as a credible source and not rely solely on the newspaper. 

"While the Department of Social Development appreciates the role of the media in informing, educating and holding government to account, abuse and mocking of what is a much needed resource cannot be acceptable," says Oliphant.