Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) extends its best wishes to the Class of 2023 as they prepare for the 2023 National Senior Certificate examinations, commencing tomorrow (30 October).

According to the Department of Basic Education, a total of 723,971 full-time students, 181,143 part-time students, and 34,626 progressed learners will be participating in these examinations. Additionally, 207 question papers, 72,500 invigilators, and 52,500 markers will facilitate the examination process. This places South Africa at the forefront in terms of high school completion rates, the number of matric learners, and the number of invigilators within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

We acknowledge that the Class of 2023 has faced significant obstacles in their educational journey since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. However, it is important to emphasise that the ANC-led government has worked diligently and tirelessly to establish an education system that ensures every candidate has a fair and equitable opportunity to excel in their examinations, leaving no one behind. This class will reap the rewards of the curriculum recovery strategy put together by the Department of Basic Education.

The ANC is reassured by the Department’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in guaranteeing a fair and equitable process. Enhanced security measures have been implemented to deter any paper leaks across all nine provinces. In this regard, the State Security Agency has conducted thorough audits of these procedures, and Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) are mandated to adhere to standard operating protocols. Furthermore, measures have been meticulously devised to safeguard the examinations from the disruptions caused by load shedding.

The ANC believes that the Class of 2023 is a chosen one as they embark on their final lap amidst the Springboks’ triumph in France against the All Blacks. We are firmly convinced that this class, in the spirit of the Bokke, will make a resounding statement that education is not only fashionable but also the “first

duty of revolutionaries.” This statement is rooted in their commitment to showcasing the success of our nation, both on and off the field and within the confines of the classroom.

We acknowledge that these are challenging times for young South Africans who are approaching the conclusion of their secondary education. Nevertheless, this period also provides an opportunity for introspection over the past 12 years and is filled with excitement and anticipation for what the future holds. Quality education, at every level, continues to remain one of the most potent tools for unlocking opportunities and dismantling the unjust chains of poverty and inequality.

As a country, let us rally behind our matriculants, providing them the space to study and offering moral support. To all those involved in the matriculation examination value chains, we wish you Good Luck and encourage you to make our country proud. Indeed, we are Stronger Together.