ONCE again we have arrived at the end of the academic calendar for the year.
Parents and learners now have more time to spend with each other as they plan the future. It is the moment in time where family values triumph over anything.
Teachers and schools played their part and it is now in the hands of the parents to ensure what our learners have learnt during the course of the year has borne fruit. This week, most learners would have received their academic results, and they are progressing to the next level.
As we are experiencing the rainy season, some of our learners are swimming in very dangerous rivers and natural dams. We have already lost learners due to this kind of (un)recreational activity, which is not sanctioned by the local government. We urge parents to take care of their children during this time of the year, as some of the rivers might be overflowing and that could lead to fatalities.
Learners must also be careful. We want to see them in one piece next year.
Let me thank the school governing bodies for the sterling contribution they made in ensuring our schools are truly in the hands of the communities they serve, for the betterment of our learners and their future.
To the principals, teachers and learners: God give you strength for 2015.
On January 5 2015, the department of education will be releasing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
We had incident-free NSC examinations and had all the tools necessary to help our learners to prepare and pass. We are hopeful that we will produce quality results when the time arrives.
On January 6 we will release our provincial report. We will hold the event at the Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, where together with the premier, members of the executive council, traditional leadership and leaders of all religious denominations, we will celebrate with our learners.
I must also thank the education ambassadors for the role they played in motivating our learners.
The management and personnel of the department: I also thank you for your contribution to improve the quality of education.
Wishing you all the best and a merry Christmas.
Thembi Nwendamutswu.
