Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, has urged the Class of 2010 not to drop their heads as the exams start in earnest on Monday.
Speaking during an Education Public Participation meeting on Thursday, Mokonyane said this was a critical time for matriculants and urged the communities to continue providing support to the matric class of 2010.
With about two days to the exams, the Gauteng Provincial Government visited a number of matric study camp sites in Soweto to motivate learners before proceeding to the public meetings.
"We should put our learners first and pray for them as they sit for their exams," she added.
This, Mokonyane said, was a more important year as there were disruptions in learning due to the extended holiday break during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the public sector strike.
"In promoting quality education, it is important to engage with learners, School Governing Bodies, educators and the community to show you the interventions we have implemented for matriculants," said the Premier.
These interventions included study camps which were set up across the province; old question papers which were distributed to learners and government also prioritised education by increasing funding and resources.
Mokonyane said this year's matriculants should follow in the footsteps of Albertina Sisulu - who was celebrating her 92nd birthday on Thursday.
"Let's show them (struggle stalwarts) that their sacrifices were not in vain."
Ma Sisulu led a campaign to boycott Bantu Education, the inferior schooling imposed on black children, in 1954. Alternative classes were held at her home until they were prohibited by law.
