MEC Grant wishes Matrics all the best for Upcoming Exams | Western Cape Government

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MEC Grant wishes Matrics all the best for Upcoming Exams

22 October 2009
This afternoon Western Cape Minister of Education Donald Grant extended his best wishes to all candidates writing the National Senior Certificate examinations.

Speaking to Grade 12 learners at Zeekoevlei High School in Lotus River,MEC Grant told the candidates that writing and passing their Grade 12 examinations will be one of the most important milestones in their lives to date.

"Many of you have reached this point despite living and learning in very difficult circumstances. This is a testimony to your courage and perseverance," he said.

"The result of the hard work and hours you put in now will have profound effects on the direction your life takes. Be mindful that we are living in a tough economic climate, where 70% of young people (ages 15-34) in South Africa remain unemployed. Therefore, the better your qualification, the more competitive you will be in an already competitive market place."

48 492 Western Cape learners will be writing 102 papers at 415 examination centres across the province, monitored by a group of 2 163 invigilators.

The candidates will start with languages and Electrical Technology on the 26th of October 2009. The examinations will conclude on the 4th of December with Engineering Graphics and Design Paper 2 and Religious Studies Paper 2.

About 3 100 markers will mark about 800 000 scripts over a six-day period, from 9 - 15 December. The target date for the release of the results is the 7th of January 2010.

Grant told learners that as they enter the next phase of their lives, they will be presented with new challenges and opportunities.

"Learn from your mistakes and do everything possible to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Ultimately, with hard work and effort, you will reap the rewards and open the door to a brighter future," he said.

"Good luck and best wishes and I trust you will achieve the results you have worked so hard for."

Grant added that he would like to see the learners back at the school in the near future.

"I want to see all of you back at this school, not as repeat learners, but as young adults supporting the school which has looked after you these last five years," he said.

Finally, Grant said that everything possible was being done to ensure that the integrity of the exams is protected.

"We have high levels of security in place, and this process is constantly being monitored," he said.

Media Enquiries: 


Bronagh Casey
Ministry for Education
Western Cape
Cell: 072 724 1422