President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the matric Class of 2024 well for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
“As your parents, teachers, siblings, friends and neighbours, we are proud of all learners who have reached and are ready for this milestone.
“You started out as the Grade 1 Class of 2012 and have succeeded to this point with the help of so many people around you who are supporting and applauding the work you have put in up to this point.
“You are ready now to play back the knowledge you have acquired during these important years of your life.
“Be confident in what you know, believe in yourself and know that you are meant to succeed,” the President said on Sunday.
This as the NSC exams will get underway on Monday.
“These examinations are not an obstacle; they’re a gateway to your continued success and a new phase of your life in which the adventure of learning and the ability to share your knowledge with others never stops.
“As you continue to prepare for your exams, there will be moments of difficulty. When these come, ask for help from everyone around you and they will support you.
“Motivate yourself and give encouragement to your classmates who, like you, are a generation whose skills and interests will take our country forward.
“You’ve got this,” said the President.
The President’s good wishes follow Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube earlier media briefing.
At the briefing held in Pretoria, the Minister said the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is ready to administer the exams.
This year, 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates will sit for the NSC matric exams—that's 882,336 candidates from across South Africa. Concerning private schools, some 16 400 students will undertake the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams.
The Minister told members of the media that despite the challenges faced by the Class of 2024, she is confident that collective efforts have prepared the learners well for the upcoming examinations.
“Their journey has been one of resilience and determination, and we believe that they will rise to the occasion. To the learners, this is your moment to shine. You have worked hard over the past 12 years, and now you have the opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and determination,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
