As the clock ticks down to Monday, October 30, 2023, when a staggering 855 607 learners across South Africa will sit for their final examinations, the nation's educational landscape is buzzing with anticipation. Matriculation exams, marking a significant milestone in a student's academic journey, are a critical juncture, and the state of preparedness of the Matric 2023 candidates is under scrutiny.
Viola Motsumi, the MEC of the North West Department of Education, has expressed her unwavering confidence in the readiness of the learners in the North West Province. In the lead-up to this crucial period, she has gone above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for these Grade 12 learners.
Last week Thursday, Motsumi orchestrated an inter-denominational intercessory provincial examination prayer at Botoka Secondary School in Ikageng, Tlokwe Local Municipality, in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. Faith-based organisations from various denominations, were united in prayer, seeking divine guidance for the upcoming exams.
The provincial examination prayer event was coupled with a symbolic act of commitment by the Grade 12 candidates. Students from schools throughout the North West Province willingly and solemnly signed a pledge, vowing to uphold the integrity of the exams by refraining from any unethical conduct. Motsumi emphasized the significance of this pledge in combating examination irregularities.
She stated, "The rationale for the pledge is to commit every learner to comply with the examination code of conduct so that it assists in curbing and controlling examination irregularities." "Maintain your composure and keep your sights set on your objective, knowing that you have all the support of the department, your family, friends, educators, and the rest of the community. I wish you good luck in your examination."
The journey to matriculation has not been without its challenges, with a recent incident in August raising concerns. More than 50 learners and a teacher were allegedly robbed of their tablets and laptops during a school camp at Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp.
The question arises: Have these affected learners been able to recover from such a traumatic incident to prepare adequately for their final exams? Education expert Ngoako Malatji stressed the significance of matriculation exams in determining the academic future of South African students.
He highlighted the evolving education landscape and emphasized the need to evaluate the preparedness of Matric 2023 candidates for these assessments. "As Matric 2023 candidates approach their final exams, it is crucial to assess their preparedness and identify potential areas for improvement.
A holistic approach that considers academic, emotional, and psychological factors will empower Matric 2023 candidates as they embark on this important academic milestone in South Africa," said Malatji. Dr Bulara Monyaki, Department of Basic Education Chief Education Specialist, acknowledged the challenges faced by the Class of 2023, primarily due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
These challenges included curriculum adjustments, rotational attendance, amended assessment requirements, and limited exposure to standardised examinations in Grade 10. “To address these challenges, various learner support measures were implemented in grades 10, 11, and 12 by the provinces.
These measures encompassed extended-hour programmes, teaching plans, ICT support, teacher development workshops, and supplementary learning support programmes during the June/July holiday period. These initiatives aim to ensure that learners are well-equipped for their final exams," he said. The North West Province's matric class of 2022 achieved an impressive 79.8 percent pass rate, a significant improvement of 1.6 percent from the previous year, which stood at 78 percent making it the fifth with the highest passing rate in the country.
In 2020, the province's pass rate was a concerning 76 percent, a stark decline from the impressive 87 percent recorded in 2019. As the Matric 2023 candidates gear up for their crucial examinations, the South African education system, teachers, parents, and the entire community rally behind them.
Meanwhile, Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi had a stern warning against those who cheat during the Matric exams. He said: “Umalusi would like to issue a stern warning to all learners and teachers to refrain from all forms of cheating, including group copying, where teachers are sometimes implicated. “At the same time, Umalusi discourages communities from using the national exams as leverage for their protest actions,” he said.
