Use of Skomota in Exam Papers Sparks Controversy: ‘No Womder They Hire Foreigners’

The recent inclusion of Skomota, a well-known South African celebrity, in an examination paper, has sparked widespread controversy and debate across social media platforms.

The Department of Education’s choice of Skomota for an exam has everyone on social media in an uproar. Netizens aren’t happy about it, and they’re questioning what this means for education in South Africa.

Critics think using a celebrity like Skomota undermines the whole examination process, not to mention the value of academic excellence. They believe that educational institutions should instead focus on academic excellence and real-life skills instead of pop culture references that don’t actually teach students anything meaningful.

Also Read: Skomota touches woman’s kuku in public {Watch)

Here are some of the responses online;

Department of education is not serious!!!!!! You can’t teach learners skomota !!!! pic.twitter.com/rimRSTVHua

— Dr MuVenda (@Ndi_Muvenda_) June 10, 2024

2.1 Name an artist that dances.
2.2 What is the dance move called
2.3 Explain the rhythm & force of the move

Would be a better exam question than expecting my young child to know this much or be interested in Skomota. https://t.co/TDq29ew0eP

— HRH Namhla 🇵🇸 (@Nampree) June 11, 2024

Conversely, supporters of the Department of Education’s decision to incorporate Skomota into the examination paper argue that the controversy surrounding the celebrity’s inclusion is unwarranted. They point out that using celebrities as case studies or reference points in academic assessments is not unprecedented and has been done in the past without significant backlash. They assert that the uproar surrounding Skomota’s appearance in the examination paper is largely attributable to the celebrity’s status and public persona, rather than any inherent flaw in the educational approach adopted by the department.

I assume this is a creative art. skomota is a dancer and that is why they have used him since he is a dancer . The questions are clearly not about his behaviour. He has been trending, hence they have used his photo so that learners can relate.

— itsphesihle@mfeka (@itsphesihlemfe1) June 11, 2024

I don't think they would be complaining if it was Tyla displayed, but then it is no surprise because people like skomota are mostly rejected by their community even their own flash and blood.

— 21Servant (@ItumelengM27985) June 11, 2024

Furthermore, the controversy has also raised questions about the perception of the quality of education in South Africa. Some businesses in the country have preferred hiring foreigners, particularly Zimbabweans, citing their stronger educational backgrounds.

A South African exam. This is how they get second rate graduates with very little reasoning capacity but good on dancing and tiktok like @Miz_Ruraltarain It’s why their industry, commerce and academia hire foreigners.

Why hire people who passed a description of Skomota 🤣? pic.twitter.com/0W4WQtCOAZ

— mmatigari (@matigary) June 11, 2024

This trend suggests that there may be perceived inadequacies in the local education system, which could be driving employers to seek talent from neighbouring countries.

While differing perspectives exist regarding the appropriateness of incorporating celebrities into academic assessments, education stakeholders need to prioritize educational excellence and the cultivation of a skilled workforce that meets the diverse needs of the nation.