Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says they are aware of potential risks that could compromise the integrity of the 2024 matric exams which started today.
The exams, which will include practicals, will run until November 28.
Briefing the media in Pretoria yesterday, Gwarube says they are working with the National Joint Operational Centre (NATJOC) to ensure the smooth running of the exams.
She says, “In addition to the security measures I have mentioned, we are collaborating closely with the NATJOC and the Provincial Joint Operations Committees (PROVJOC) to ensure that security is always maintained. These partnerships will help us manage any emerging risks and respond swiftly to any threats that may arise.”
VIDEO | Gwarube urges parents of matric learners:
Gauteng
Gwarube and Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the Soshanguve East Secondary School in northern Pretoria this morning to encourage learners as they start writing their matric exams.
Some matriculants say they are anxious ahead of writing English Paper 1.
A total of 189 683 candidates are registered to write exams in the province.
Chiloane says he is confident that the matric class of 2024 will improve on last year’s pass rate of 85.4 %.
One learner says despite putting in hard work throughout the academic year, they are still nervous.
“I am excited, nervous at the same time, I can’t find the right word to express how I feel. I am scared right now .. I am very scared. It was really hard, especially in Grade 10 because I didn’t know what to choose.”
VIDEO | Tembisa schools working on improving results:
KwaZulu-Natal
Grade 12 learners at the Mthambalala High School in KwaJobe in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal say they are ready to write their final examinations.
This is despite the challenges they faced this year.
In June, the school lost a number of classrooms to a tornado that swept through that part of the province.
The school was provided with mobile classrooms to ensure the continuation of lessons.
One of the Grade 12 learners at the school, Ntuthuko Sithole says, “We are ready to start the final examination but at the beginning of the year we were facing challenges of school structures that distracted the attention of learners, but now we can see that it’s time to write.”
The Chairperson of the School Governing Body, Jabu Vumase, says she is optimistic that the destruction of some classrooms will not deter the matric class from producing good results.
“We worked together with the department and the teachers as they gave us all the necessary support. We are happy even term three learners passed very well and this shows that even today they are ready,” says Vumase.
– Additional reporting by Nonhlanhla Ntshingila and Khalesakhe Mbhense.
VIDEO | Jozini learners prepared and ready for finals: