Pretoria - As schools wrap up the 2011 academic year and close for the December holidays, the Ministry of Basic Education has wished all learners, teachers and the entire school community a safe and joyous holiday season.
"We have completed yet another successful schooling year, a year that was marked by excellence and a clear focus on teaching and learning and are grateful to our learners, teachers, school managers, stakeholders, partners and the South African public as a whole, for helping us put the education of the African child first," Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said in a statement on Tuesday.
Motshekga attributed the smooth 2011 national senior certificate examinations to the department's continued efforts to improving the system and implementing stringent security measures.
She also wished the 35 000 markers - who are currently marking papers at 123 examination centres across the country - well in their work.
"We wish them luck in this challenging job," she said.
The minister further thanked the thousands of teachers in the other grades "who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to teach and ensure that as learners go on holiday, they have their results".
Motshekga will announce the 2011 matric results on 4 January 2012.
