President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged families and communities to support the 2018 matric class as they start their final exams today.
“I call on families, communities and our country at large to stand by our matrics and offer them all the support they need to excel in these examinations. All of us look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2018,” said President Ramaphosa on Monday.
The 2018 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations kick off today with the first practical examinations in Computer Examinations Technology (CAT). A total of 37 340 candidates are expected to sit for the exam today.
President Ramaphosa offered his best wishes to the 796 542-strong Class of 2018, who will write the matric examinations.
“Your success in obtaining the National Senior Certificate will unlock new possibilities in your own life and for our country.”
The first citizen also had some advice for the class of 2018.
“Your best defence against the stresses that naturally accompany examinations is to give yourself the best chance possible through adequate preparation. Discipline today means success tomorrow,” he said.
The matric examinations will be administered at 6 888 examination centres countrywide until 28 November 2018.
The President said the nation is proud of the pupils who have reached this important milestone.
President Ramaphosa also expressed his appreciation to the Department of Basic Education and educators for having prepared the Class of 2018 for this milestone in the course of 12 years.
The President’s good wishes to the class of 2018 were also expressed by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
The agency expressed its confidence in the preparedness of learners who will sit for the exams. This, said the agency, stemmed from the large number of learners that visited its offices across the country to apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“This period presents learners with a challenging yet exciting few weeks. Learners across all provinces must enter with the right frame of mind and clear-cut strategy, which will make the difference between an average and exceptional performance, opening doors to achieve their dreams,” said NYDA chairperson Sifiso Mtsweni.
Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund
The NYDA established the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund to cover studies in various fields relating to critical and scarce skills. To date, the scholarship has benefitted and produced over 100 graduates.
“We cannot express the joy in our hearts in anticipation of yet another cohort of learners that will benefit from the Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Scholarship Fund opening at the end of October. To all learners: good luck, work hard and keep focus,” said Mtsweni
Umalusi
On Friday, quality assurer Umalusi said it has completed its groundwork ahead of the 2018 NSC examinations, saying it is confident that they will be rolled out in a credible manner.
At a media briefing in Johannesburg, the council said it has reconceptualised its approach to the quality assurance of assessment, with specific reference to 10 key focus areas.
These include management, registration of candidates, school-based assessment, printing, packaging and distribution of question papers, the conduct of examinations, appointment of marking personnel, system for the capturing of marks, management of examination irregularities, the accreditation of examination centres and as well as certification. - SAnews.gov.za
