The executive mayor of the metro, Clr Mondli Gungubele, has wished all the 2014 matriculants in the city well as they sit for their final examination.
“Education is the key to success and it all begins with the examination you are about to sit.
“You have done well to get where you are in life right now and I am sure that you know that this exam marks another milestone in your efforts to carve the future that you wish for yourself as an adult South African,” he said.
“There may have been some minor interruptions as a result of service delivery protests in some areas, but in the main I know we, as government, with the help of community leaders in such areas moved swiftly to ensure that there were very minimal effects on education, especially the matric students.
”It is based on this fact that I am confident that, as the class of 2014, you have what it takes to better the work of your predecessors and continue to improve our pass rate.“
Gungubele appealed to the youngsters to work even harder throughout the examination process, despite challenges that may threaten their success on the road ahead.
He also urged parents and teachers to give their children all the necessary support and to make sure that they remain focused all the way.
“We must continue to help our children realise and comprehend the fact that education is the key to the future prospects of South Africa,” he said.
“The more educated we are, the brighter the future of the country going forward.
“Through education we shall triumph against the triple challenges facing our country – unemployment, poverty and inequality.”
A former teacher himself, Gungubele congratulated teachers and learners for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, adding that these exams offer an opportunity for all the year’s hard work to ”bear fruit”.
“Educators have a very challenging job and, despite the hardships that they come across year in and year out, they continue to do a sterling job,” he said.
