Pretoria — Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has expressed disappointment that her private conversations have been leaked to the media.

Motshekga said it was regrettable that her SMS conversations with First Rand Bank CEO Sizwe Nxasana have been used in media reports.

Department spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi said Motshekga respects the processes put in place by the African National Congress and First National Bank to resolve the matter regarding the bank's advertising campaign, and that no further comment will be made on this matter.

"We distance ourselves from this leak because it is a serious matter and we will approach the relevant security agencies to investigate.

"We apologise to Mr Nxasana for the mishap. The department is happy with the manner in which the matter was handled," Motshekga said in a statement.