Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, are monitoring the start of the 2024 NSC Exams in Soshanguve East Secondary School in Tshwane.

The National Senior Certificate Exams have started today, with learners writing languages, English and Afrikaans Paper 3. Just over 880 000 candidates from across South Africa will sit for this year’s matric exams.

The exams will be concluded on 27 November 2024, and marking will commence immediately thereafter.

The Minister took the opportunity to speak to learners just before they put pen to paper for their first examination.

‘This is the beginning of the rest of your life. What you put into… these exams is exactly what you will be able to reap at the end of it. This is the first time as a young adult that you get to shape your future.

‘All the very best! Work hard and make sure that you stay off social media and other distractions. They will still be there when you are done. Study hard, get some sleep, get some rest an
d I wish to see some of you in January for the Top Achievers [awards],’ the Minister said.

She further appealed to communities to allow learners to write exams without any disruptions.

Meanwhile, Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule is monitoring the start of the 2024 NSC Examinations at eKwazini Secondary School in Middleburg, Mpumalanga.

The Deputy Minister urged learners to take their time and not rush when answering questions.

‘Don’t rush to answer questions. That is why the [exam] pack you [have been given] has a pen and a pencil. Write down with a pencil first on the paper and start with the questions that you understand the most. Do not panic. Start with the known and then spend time on the questions which you don’t remember well. That is the recipe for passing,’ Mhaule said.

Source: South African Government News Agency