Best of luck to the class of 2024 for your matric exams

Note to editors: Please find attached Afrikaans and English soundbites by Delmaine Christians MP.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) extends its best wishes to the 2024 matric class as they begin their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations tomorrow. The party acknowledges the hard work and dedication of both learners and teachers, recognising the challenges they face, including issues with learner transport, overcrowded classrooms, inconsistent access to nutritional programs at schools, as well as starting their high school careers at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused massive disruptions in their education.

The DA encourages matriculants to stay focused on their goals and work diligently during this final phase of their schooling. They also express hope for positive results when the Department of Basic Education releases the results next year.

In addition, the DA reaffirms its commitment to closely monitor the exam, marking, and verification processes. We trust that this year’s examination will be without scandal and that no learners or students will make themselves guilty of any kind of cheating.

We further wish to encourage the between 39.5% and 43.2% of young people who dropped out before reaching matric to continue their education through TVET colleges in order to ensure that they have the necessary skills for the best possible future, especially given the fact that approximately 3.6 million young people between the ages the ages of 15 and 25 are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Good quality education is the best way to ensure that young people are lifted out of poverty.