Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the matric class of 2020 to summon up all their strength as they prepare to write their exams in three days’ time.
More than a million candidates are expected to sit for the National Senior Certificate exam on Thursday.
In a newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said for many it was an exciting moment, but one that was also fraught with anxiety.
He noted that this year’s combined examination is the largest public exam ever administered in South Africa and will be written under unprecedented conditions.
“We are in the midst of a global pandemic. The nationwide lockdown we had to impose in March to contain the spread of the coronavirus caused immense disruption to everyday life and cost valuable hours of learning and study.
’’To accommodate the disruptions the June Senior Certificate exams were postponed and will now be written together with the National Senior Certificate. More than a million candidates will sit for the examinations starting on Thursday,” he said.
Ramaphosa lauded the provincial and national departments of education for “their sterling preparation to ensure things proceed smoothly.”
“These include the independent and public auditing of examination centres, finding extra venues to accommodate the large number of candidates, and the development of protocols to ensure compliance by candidates and officials with Covid-19 regulations.
“The Class of 2020 has had to endure conditions their predecessors never had to confront. They had to adapt in real time not just to finish the curriculum but to catch up with the learning hours lost.
’’Though some had access to online learning platforms and other resources, many had to struggle with access to learning material and teaching.”
Ramaphosa said pupils had to endure the mental strain of social isolation, and for many months were cut off from friends and their teachers.
“They were not able to participate in sporting, recreational and leisure activities that are so essential to a well-rounded life and that relieve the stresses of prolonged study.
“Yet, despite having the odds stacked against them, our learners are determined to present for this exam that is the pinnacle of their schooling.
’’It has been equally difficult for our educators. Despite the risk posed by the virus and resource challenges inside our schools, the majority of our teachers heeded the call to return to school to salvage what was left of the academic year,” he said.
Ramaphosa also saluted teachers who have been there for their pupils, saying they have given so much, personally and professionally.
“To the Class of 2020, I wish you the very best. You have overcome difficulties that would test the resolve of even the most experienced and hardened adults. At your tender age, there are so many demands upon you.
“There are the pressures of rigorous study, the pressure to excel and to achieve the results you need to study further. And yet you have come this far.
’’When you enter the exam room in the days ahead, you will be carrying not just your own hopes for success and those of your families. You will also carry the hopes of us, the South African people.
’’We are immensely proud of you and wish you the very best of luck.”
Cape Times