President Cyril Ramaphosa has released an address directed towards educators, students, parents and everyone involved with the difficult year of education in 2020, ahead of the Matric exams this week.
“The Class of 2020 has had to endure conditions their predecessors never had to confront. They had to adapt in real time not just to finish the curriculum but to catch up with the learning hours lost. Though some had access to online learning platforms and other resources, many had to struggle with access to learning material and teaching,” reads part of the address.
The president speaks of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown which has been in place in South Africa since March. Now in November, while the lockdown level has been decreased and schools have re-opened, Matrics and students in all grades have lost valuable study and learning time.
“They had to endure the mental strain of social isolation, and for many months were cut off from friends and their teachers. They were not able to participate in sporting, recreational and leisure activities that are so essential to a well-rounded life and that relieve the stresses of prolonged study. Yet, despite having the odds stacked against them, our learners are determined to present for this exam that is the pinnacle of their schooling,” Ramaphosa continues.
The government has put certain structures in place to try and make up for this lost time, with maybe the most prominent being the Woza programme that sought to help students catch up on important curriculum ahead of the exams which begin this week on 5th November. These exams will continue until 5th December and results will be released on 22nd January 2021.
Outside of the government individuals have been doing their best too with the president commending Dendron Secondary School in Limpopo whose teachers provided food and accommodation to Matric students.
Whether the combined efforts of government and the public will result in satisfactory Matric results remains to be seen as the impact of COVID-19 was truly immeasurable.
“To the Class of 2020, I wish you the very best… We are immensely proud of you and wish you the very best of luck,” says Ramaphosa.
[Image – GovernmentZA]
