Approximately 94,000 learners from Limpopo will be taking their matric year-end exams, which commence on October 30. In anticipation of this event, Limpopo's MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, expressed confidence in the department's ability to surpass last year's matric pass rate.
In an interview with Limpopo Mirror on October 23, Lerule-Ramakhanya stated that the department had launched several programmes to provide optimal support to the province's learners in achieving the best possible results. These initiatives include Saturday and Sunday classes, winter enrichment classes, examination-readiness assessment tasks, spring classes, and camps.
She emphasised that these efforts were expected to improve upon last year's 72.1% pass rate. "All systems are in place to ensure their success. Although it is difficult to predict the outcome, we are prepared and optimistic due to the efforts we have put in throughout the year, with the assistance of our teachers."
On October 19, Lerule-Ramakhanya led a matric examination pledge-signing ceremony with the learners at Makhado EMC.
She sternly warned learners against cheating, emphasising that those who did would be removed from the examination room. "Make time to study, but also remember to rest before each test as appearing tired will hinder your performance. Avoid using energy boosters as they may lead to a crash," she advised.
Lerule-Ramakhanya concluded: "Best of luck to our Matric Class of 2023 for the upcoming exams. I am proud of the hard work you have put in throughout the year. It was a challenging year for all of you, but I am confident that you will give your best and finish strongly. Thanks to our teachers, who faced unprecedented challenges. Thank you for rising to these challenges and ensuring our learners are well prepared, not just for the upcoming exams, but to be our future leaders, thinkers, and innovators. The department wishes all the Grade 12s the best of luck."
One of the Grade 12 learners at Sinthumule High, Khodani Hamese, told this newspaper that they were all experiencing exam-related stress, especially since they were the first group to write the new matric exam papers. "But I am sure that we will all pass the exams, as we have been well prepared," she said.