Nearly 900,000 candidates are on Wednesday writing South Africa’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations nationwide, as President Cyril Ramaphosa offered them his “best wishes on behalf of all South Africans” for enduring the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic in the past two years.
The president said the nation was proud of the students’ determination, focus and sacrifice with which the learners braved the 2021 academic year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on school life, home life, social interaction, and society as a whole.
“We are immensely proud of the nearly 900,000 candidates who will be sitting for the National Senior Certificate examination, which is a significant personal milestone as well as an important marker for the future of our nation,” the president said.
He paid tribute to the parents and educators who were themselves affected by the Covid-19 pandemic but were resolute in helping the learners cross the schooling finish line.
He added: “We are deeply indebted to families, educators and school governing bodies who made it possible for learners to make it to these examinations by introducing innovative means for learners to complete their curriculum.”
“This year we place our arms of support around the Class of 2021 who have persevered and endured in their effort to create a better future for themselves, their families and our economy,” Ramaphosa said.
“We wish you the best of success in your final revision and in your examinations, which will lay the foundations for your life as independent, adult members of our society,” the president said.
NM/as/APA