The time to seal off the precious school days has arrived and that time is now. With all the hassles that school-going children have to bear for the period of 12 years, nothing is compared to the joy that comes with a good pass in matric.

Seasons in life come and go, but those who will be able to survive are those that are ready for all sorts of challenges. The major challenge this time around would be to obtain a pass with good marks in the National Senior Certificate otherwise known as grade 12. This is the race of life. A matric certificate becomes a passport these days that can help open doors to both university and the job market.

Remember to shun the wrongs and do the right in shaping your goals this time. Candidates need to avoid certain time wasters that might interfere with their state of readiness to write their exams. Parties, social networks, drop-in visitors and spending time with people who are not in the same situation might deter a person’s dreams.

Those who might not have done well, have an opportunity to defy all odds and surprise many. All grade 12 learners should remember that: “the main thing, is to keep the main thing, the main thing” in this case the main thing is studying and nothing else.

Take these tips to try and make studying interesting: formulate groups to work together because teamwork always breeds good results.
Make sure you have enough rest in the interval of your studies. Seek help from those who you think have a better understanding of the subject.

Learners should be careful not to procrastinate. This year we celebrate 60 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown in 1955, one of the clauses extracted from that document states that: “The door of learning and culture shall be opened to all.”
Let’s do justice to our parents, our communities and our teachers by giving them the only Christmas present we can give as learners, that is a good pass.

We, as the municipality, would also urge the parents not exert unnecessary pressure on these young people, instead parents should give them unconditional support that will help change their lives for the better. I would like to wish the class of 2015 all the best in the final exam. Never cease to pray, for God is able to give you strength and courage to make things happen. “Faith is the first step even if you don’t see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King.

Councillor PG Strydom
Mayor – Imbabazane Local Municipality