The prayer was recently held at Thaba Chweu Local Municipality Civic Centre, with the aim to bring matriculants closer to God as examination time approaches.

According to Rev V Pietersen, the purpose was to pray for the 2020 matriculants and the challenges of Covid-19.

Department of Education Mashishing circuit acting manager, Gerald Mokeona, said all schools were ready for their examinations.

Read: Learners raise concerns about the safety of their school in Ivory Park

“We thank our teachers. Despite the Covid-19 effects they have worked hard to make sure that they completed the syllabus. We urge all parents to discourage learners from attending parties, funerals, public events and overcrowded places, to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus,” Mokeona said.

Speaking at the event, TCLM executive mayor, Cllr Friddah Nkadimeng, said as the municipality they are honoured and grateful because they know how it feels for the learners who will write their exams.

“We are asking God to intervene and protect our learners and teachers through it all and help guide our children through their studies. We also want to cast out the evil spirits that often occur in schools so the pupils can write freely and pass,” she said.

Past Ken Scrimnger from Graskop thanked the executive mayor and the TCLM faith-based organisations that initiated the prayer day.

Also read: Lebowakgomo man to appear in court for the murder of his mother

“We know they went through difficult time with Covid-19, having to stay away from school. They were also affected emotionally, mentally, physically and financially, but despite all those difficulties we trust God that they will pull through and at the end of the exams we expect good results,” Scrimnger said.