President Cyril Ramaphosa has in his weekly newsletter, extended his best wishes to learners writing their matric exams, acknowledging the hard work, resilience and perseverance they have shown in preparing for this crucial milestone.

Today marks the commencement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with over 880 000 candidates across South Africa sitting for their matric exams.

‘On behalf of the government, I wish all our learners well at this challenging and exciting time. The Class of 2024 entered Grade 8 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and have had to receive considerable learning support to overcome the resultant gaps in their learning,’ the President said on Monday.

READ | All systems go for 2024 matric exams

The first citizen praised the students who are rewriting their exams through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Second Chance Programme, commending their determination to improve their academic outcomes.

In the weeks leading up to the exams, learners across the cou
ntry have participated in extra lessons, engaged in revision with educators, and attended learner support programmes facilitated by provincial education departments.

The President highlighted the collaboration between the DBE, provincial education authorities, school governing bodies, and families in equipping learners with the resources needed for success.

‘I commend our nation’s educators for their commitment to our matriculants as they reach the end of their secondary school journey.

‘At the annual National Teaching Awards ceremony earlier this month, I spoke of teachers as being like devoted gardeners, whose attention, guidance and encouragement nurtures our nation. The successes that the Class of 2024 will undoubtedly achieve will be in no small part due to the efforts of our country’s devoted teachers,’ the President said.

As the exams commence, all necessary systems have been put in place to ensure a smooth examination period.

The Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with Umalusi, has c
onducted audits of over 9 200 exam centres, vetted exam markers, and approved question papers, including those adapted for learners with special needs.

Additionally, stringent measures have been implemented to prevent question paper leaks, fraud, and cheating, including the appointment of additional invigilators and enhanced security measures, such as the use of CCTV at some venues.

President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to the matric candidates for signing the NSC Examination Code of Conduct, which commits them to maintaining academic honesty during the exams.

According to the DBE, by signing the Matric Exam Pledge, learners publicly commit to upholding ethical standards during the exams and remaining focused on their goals.

READ | Minister, learners sign Matric Exam Pledge for Class of 2024

Integrating young people into the workforce

The President used the occasion to reflect on the importance of integrating the Class of 2024 into the workforce or further education after their exams.

‘The unemployme
nt rate among young people aged 15-24 stands at 60.8%, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey.

‘Just as preparing our nation’s young people to achieve success in this exam is a collaborative effort, there is much more that partners like the private sector can do to hire young people.’

To address this, the President has called on employers to relax work experience requirements for entry-level positions and make use of incentives, such as learnership agreements, discretionary grants, and the Employee Tax Incentive, to hire young people.

The incentive is aimed at encouraging employers to hire young and less experienced work seekers.

The President also emphasised the legal obligation of employers to prioritise hiring South African citizens or permanent residents before considering foreign nationals for positions, underscoring the need to provide more opportunities for young South Africans.

‘Recent business premises inspections by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment
and Labour have thrown into sharp relief the contentious issue of some employers preferring to employ foreign nationals and illegal immigrants.

‘Employers must instead open up more opportunities for young South Africans entering the job market. They need to remember that by law they have to ensure that no suitable South African citizen or permanent resident is available to fill a position before employing a foreign national. This is established practice around the world,’ the President said.

READ | Employment and Labour blitz inspections and raids yield results

The President concluded by urging all sectors of society to work together to ensure that the hard work of the Class of 2024 is rewarded with employment, further education, and training opportunities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the youth in their journey toward a brighter future.

‘As all of society, we have a responsibility to ensure that the morale of the Class of 2024 is boosted by knowing their hard work and sacrifices will be re
warded. Let us continue to work together to ensure that the latest cohort of matriculants find the opportunities for employment or further education and training that they deserve,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency