DA sends best wishes to matrics ahead of exams

26 October 2021

Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbite by Baxolile ‘Bax’ Nodada MP.

The DA wishes all matric learners the best during their examinations set to start tomorrow.

We know that the past two years have asked extraordinary discipline and sacrifice from learners who had to adapt to schooling during a global pandemic that often saw the curriculum interrupted for long periods of time. We trust that they have used their time wisely and prepared themselves for the upcoming examinations as well as they could.

We also commend the teachers who have gone above and beyond in embracing the restrictive nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and found creative solutions to ensure that their learners covered as much of the curriculum as possible.

The DA calls on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to ensure that all the necessary measures are in place so that none of the examination papers can be compromised or leaked. Learners do not deserve to have aspersions cast on their hard work.

The country is facing a youth unemployment crisis with 64% of our youth being unemployed. What is alarming is the high drop-out rate in the class of 2021. This year's matric cohort has seen a shocking drop-out of 309 747 learners since 2019. This poses major challenges to young South Africans in securing prosperous futures. The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, and DBE must put a plan in place to ensure high retention through creating a conducive environment for learning to keep learners in school. This plan must focus on the curriculum, infrastructure maintenance and development, and quality teaching. The DA will be tabling solutions to the above issues in Parliament next month.

Despite the difficulties faced by the matrics, they should be proud to have made it to this point. The DA wishes the class of 2021 all the best with their final exams.

Issued by Bax Nodada, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, 26 October 2021