Matric exams enter final week

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has stated her department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for 2023 go smoothly.

“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error-free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could do to support the children,” the minister said. “We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she added.

Matric examinations commenced on October 30, with more than 717 377 full-time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system registered to write their final examinations. This was done at 6 898 centres across the country. Matric learners have now entered the final week of their exams with only six National Senior Certificate papers left to write.

“We can confirm that indeed these exams went well. By Friday the 1st of December, we were on day 25 and we are only left with three days to finish the exams. Up to date, 225 papers have been written. We are only left with six papers before we finish the exams,” explained Motshekga.

She went on to thank those involved in the smooth operation of the 2023 final examinations, stating: “We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”

Motshekga urged learners to stay safe after their examinations conclude. “There are lots of disturbing incidents that we see on social media. We really appeal to our kids to avoid these. We have noted with concern learners hosting and attending what they call ‘pens down’ parties all over the show.

“What is clear is that as much as it really is the time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking and even finding themselves [transgressing] the law. At this stage we want to urge parents, communities and caregivers to support their kids to stay safe and grow,” she said.