‘Ready, steady and go for 2016 final exams’
"I am happy to say that through determination and hard work on the side of the learners the back to school campaign is bearing fruit despite the setbacks earlier this year.
LIMPOPO – “Ready, steady and go!” was the message from the Department of Education as the Gr 12 final exams officially kicked-off on Monday, 24 October.
According to Department of Education Spokesperson, Dr Naledzani Rasila, 1 699 examination centres across Limpopo are fully prepared for the 2016 final exam.
“Although the exams started on Monday, more than 110 000 full-time learners and 20 000 part-time learners will officially kick off the final exams with an English paper today (Wednesday),” Rasila explained.
He added that along with other preparations for the 2016 final exams, the department has upgraded their security measures when it comes to the transportation and handling of examination papers. He said that the department does not see any problems as in previous years regarding the writing of exams, delivering exam papers on time or the leaking of exam papers.
“A lot of work and effort has been put into renovating a number of exam centres and when combined with the additional security measures in place, we do not anticipate any problems.”
He added that anyone found guilty of leaking exam papers or any other educational scandal, be they learners or departmental employees, will be punished. “The leaking or copying of exam papers is a crime. We as the department will not only take disciplinary actions against anyone found guilty of these offences, we will also lay criminal charges against them,” Rasila said.
He added that learners found taking part in cheating, stealing of exam papers or the copying of these papers, will be expelled from the school and they could possibly be suspended from writing exams for a period of three years or more.
“We wish the learners the best of luck in their exams and look forward to seeing their hard work pay off through their results. We want them to give us reason to brag about the outstanding marks of the Gr 12 learners of 2016.”
Premier of Limpopo, Stanley Mathabatha wished the class of 2016 the best of luck with their exams and echoed the words of Rasila, saying: “Our hope for an 80% matric pass rate for the province rests on your shoulders, and we are confident that you will not disappoint us.”
He added that the province experienced the worst academic period when about 30 schools were torched in Vuwani earlier this year. “I am happy to say that through determination and hard work on the side of the learners and educators enough ground has been covered and back to school campaign is bearing fruit despite the setbacks earlier this year.
He further said, “I congratulate all our Grade 12 learners for having made it this far and wish you all the best in these examinations. This is the time to suspend all activities that are not helpful to your studies including time spent on social media”.
riana@nmgroup.co.za
