Grade 12 learners across the country have spent years preparing for this moment, as the final matric exams have finally begun. The next 5 weeks will be crucial for the class of 2021, as the matric results will soon follow.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to the matric class of 2021 on behalf of all South Africans, commending them for persevering through a difficult year
This comes as they get ready to sit for their first final exam today. He further stated that the nation can be proud of the dedication and sacrifice they have shown despite the impact of Covid-19.
A total of 124 065 candidates will be writing English Home Language, 609 830 will be writing English First Additional while only four matriculants will sit for the English Second Additional Language paper.
We are immensely proud of the nearly 900 000 candidates who will be sitting for the National Senior Certificate examination, which is a significant personal milestone as well as an important marker for the future of our nation.
The president also stated that the government is indebted to families, educators and school governing bodies for completing the school curriculum despite overwhelming circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ramaphosa was not alone in extending this kind gesture as the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba also offered her wishes to the Class of 2021 ahead of their exam.
I would like to wish all candidates the best of luck with the upcoming final examinations. I urge them to continue working hard and to keep their focus. I know it has been challenging since your schooling was disrupted due to COVID-19 in 2020, but I am sure you have the support of the whole country. It has truly been a catch-up year for this cohort.
A total of 897 786 candidates divided between 735 677 full-time, 162 109 part-time will sit for the exam in 6363 public exam centres. These exam centres will consist of 526 independent as well as 326 designated centres throughout the country.
The matric final exam will then conclude on 7 December 2021.