Unverified Grade 10 Geography Question Paper on Xenophobia Sparks Outrage in South Africa

• An unverified Grade 10 Geography worksheet featuring questions about xenophobia and illegal immigration circulated on X on 30 October 2026
• The worksheet, purportedly from a Western Cape school, drew criticism amid ongoing anti-immigration marches across South Africa
• Several social media users questioned the document's authenticity before weighing in on its content

WESTERN CAPE — An unverified Grade 10 Geography worksheet containing questions about xenophobia and illegal immigration is circulating on X, drawing sharp reactions from South Africans at a time when anti-immigration sentiment is running high across the country.

The document was shared on 30 October 2026 by X user @Shokwakhe16, who tagged the Democratic Alliance and Western Cape Premier Siviwe Gwarube, questioning whether the content was appropriate for schoolchildren. "Why is @Our_DA teaching our kids rubbish at WC Schools? Is this even allowed @Siviwe_G?" the post read.

What the Worksheet Contains

The document, which carries a 15-mark section out of a total of 60 marks, presents an extract about a fictional character named John who fled Zimbabwe and experienced a xenophobic attack in Johannesburg. Learners are asked to define xenophobia, distinguish between a refugee and an illegal immigrant, classify John under one of those categories, and suggest two ways of reducing violence between South Africans and foreign nationals.

Read also

Cyril Ramaphosa says only government has the power to deal with illegal immigration in South Africa

The worksheet has not been verified as an official or currently circulated school document. It remains unclear which school, district, or academic year it originates from.

Briefly News reached out to the Western Cape Department of Education for comment. This is a developing story.

Reactions split between outrage and defence

The post spread rapidly on X, with users divided over both the content and its authenticity. March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese reacted with a caption reading "Geography of modern days in South Africa," amplifying the post to her followers at a moment when her organisation is actively leading anti-immigration marches in several cities.

@Mvuyiso urged caution, writing: "Is this even verified to be real? Why can't we think for a few moments before commenting?"

@EivindHorntveth alleged: "They are indoctrinating our kids."

The original poster added: "Kids can't be involved in this."

@themissinformed pushed back, writing: "How is teaching emotional intelligence rubbish? And then you get angry when we point out your stupidity and lack of education, if any. And everyone will support you because stupidity is contagious. I dare you to sway me with facts, not insults, if you have an ounce of intelligence."

Read also

Predator poachers catch SA refugee at Ohio, USA Walmart in sting operation

@Ririxm2 commented: "They taught us the same thing around schools in SA. Thank God for March, and March our eyes are open."

Briefly News reached out to the Western Cape Department of Education for comment. This is a developing story.

Source: Briefly News