Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has sent good wishes to all Grade 12 learners across the country as they commence their 2016 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations on Wednesday.
"This is the most defining moment and a critical period for our 2016 matric learners and the country at large. We wish our Class of 2016 all the best in their NSC final examinations.
“We urge all our learners to remain focused and to give their best as they have reached this critical phase of their education and ensure that they make the country proud by producing the best matric results ever,” said President Zuma.
The President also reminded all learners that the future of this country is in their hands.
“It is only education and their sharp minds that will assist us to fight the challenges facing their communities and the country, particularly poverty, unemployment and inequality.”
The 566 810 candidates commence the NSC final examinations with the English First Additional Language in 6 797 examinations centres around the country.
President Zuma has called on parents, relatives and all South Africans to provide maximum support to all matric leaners to ensure that they are well equipped as they prepare for their examination.
He also appealed to matric learners to abstain from copying and cheating as these acts have a potential of destroying their future and called for authorities to take necessary precaution to avoid such acts.
"Government will continue to provide necessary support to all our matriculants and teachers during this critical period and beyond.
“We wish to also remind our matriculants of the many opportunities provided by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) colleges and other vocational training centres. Our youth must look beyond academic careers and also consider technical fields that will contribute to improving economic growth,” President Zuma said.
Offenders sit for matric examination
Meanwhile, 129 offenders are sitting for the 2016 matric exams in 11 centres across the country.
National Commissioner Zach Modise said everything has been done to ensure better results for the class of 2016.
He confirmed that all systems are in place in all the 11 Correctional Services examination centres, which include Usethubeni in KwaZulu-Natal, Baviaanspoort and Johannesburg in Gauteng, Tswelopele in the Northern Cape, Barberton Youth and Barberton Maximum in Mpumalanga, Brandvlei in the Western Cape as well as St Albans, Cradock and Sada in the Eastern Cape.
In his message of support to the offenders writing their finals, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha said: “It is important for offenders to remain focused amid their circumstances so that they can reach their full potential and achieve the best results possible”.
The number of offenders sitting for their matric examinations increased by 143% over the past four years, and the pass rate reached 73% during the 2015 academic year. – SAnews.gov.za
