To the thousands of matriculants across
the country, preparing to write their final examinations, on behalf of Higher
Education South Africa (HESA), I wish each of you well.
As you prepare for
exams, remember your future depends on you achieving the best results possible.
Good results mean you will have more options open to you. You will have a
greater chance of studying at the tertiary institution of your choice, and
ultimately achieving your dreams. You also increase your chances of obtaining a
bursary, scholarship, or other forms of financial assistance.
Success means
being well-prepared for the final exams. As such, you must be able to apply
everything you have learned throughout this year, as well as preceding ones.
Take time to go through your work thoroughly. Ask a teacher or mentor for advice
if there is something you do not understand. Consult one of the numerous
learning aids available to you for clarification. Try and work through past exam
papers to give yourself an edge.
The key to a society that is able to
overcome its social, political and economic challenges is a well-educated
population. A skilled labour force is a crucial ingredient for economic
growth.
With the official unemployment rate at 25.6% (Statistics South
Africa) in the second quarter of 2013, it is more important than ever that you
give yourself a fighting chance as you prepare to enter higher education
institutions, FET Colleges, or the world of work. You are the future of this
country and ensuring you are well-educated can mean the difference between
making a difference or sitting powerlessly on the sidelines.
Each of you
holds the key to your own destiny. I urge you not to treat the examinations as
an inconvenience, but to rather invest your energy and best intentions in them.
This will stand you in good stead in the long term as you take the next steps on
your journey through life.
Good luck, and all the best.