President Cyril Ramaphosa sends words of encouragement to Class of 2024 as Matric exams kick off

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his well wishes to the Grade 12 Matric Class of 2024 as they began their National Senior Certificate examinations today.

The President expressed his pride in the leaners who have reached this important milestone, noting the support of parents, teachers, siblings, friends, and neighbors.

In a statement on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said, “You started out as the Grade 1 Class of 2012 and have succeeded to this point with the help of so many people around you who are supporting and applauding the work you have put in up to this point.

“You are ready now to play back the knowledge you have acquired during these important years of your life.”

In Gauteng, Minister of Basic Education Seviwe Gwarube flanked by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited Soshanguve East Secondary school shortly before matrics began their final exams.

The department expressed its confidence #ClassOf2024GP will excel, and we wish them the best of luck.

Meet Kgomotso Baloyi, a Grade 12 learner from Soshanguve East Secondary School who plans on studying nursing at the University of Pretoria after matriculating. Kgomotso shared her thoughts on writing her final exams.

In Mpumalanga, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, visited eKwazini Secondary School in Middleburg, Mpumalanga with MEC for Education, Cathy Dlamini. The purpose of her visit is to monitor the start of the 2024 NSC Examinations.

On Sunday, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba delivered a message of support to the Grade 12 class of 2024 at the provincial prayer service held at Limpopo Connexion in Polokwane.

The prayer service was also attended online by learners, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.

The Premier quoted Philippians 4:13, saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In her address, she extended well-wishes to the 94,000 learners who will be sitting for their exams from 21 October to 28 November 2024.

She called on parents, churches, artists, and liquor outlets to support learners during this critical period, encouraging measures such as minimising loud music and reducing household chores for learners until their exams are completed.

The prayer session was led by the South African Council of Churches Bishop Naledzani. MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya, MEC for LEDET, Tshitereke Matibe, and MEC for Transport and Community Safety Voilet Mathye were also in attendance

In X, formerly Tweeter, Oratile Mthimkhulu known as “Eunice” in Skeem Saam encourages learners to focus as they continue with their final Matric Examination.

Ramaphosa encouraged the learners to be confident in their abilities, believe in themselves, and remember that these exams are not obstacles but gateways to future success.

President Ramaphosa urged the learners to ask for help when needed, motivate themselves, and support their classmates.

“You’ve got this,” President Ramaphosa added, emphasising the importance of perseverance and teamwork as the learners navigate the challenges of their exams.