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The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), the largest trade union in the education sector, conveys its best wishes for success to the 796 542 candidates who are writing their 2018 National Senior Examinations (Matric). The exams began today with 37 340 learners doing the first practical examination in Computer Examinations Technology. The examinations will get into full swing on Monday, 22 October 2018 with the writing of languages.

The National Senior Certificate examination is the most crucial in any learners’ lives. It is an indicator of success of the primary and secondary school system and a gateway to further study. The quality of the marks opens more avenues for better tertiary qualifications one can study for.

SADTU commends its members and teachers in general for performing their revolutionary tasks in preparing the learners for the examinations, and at times, sacrificing their weekends and holidays. We know that many of the teachers and their management literally slept at schools every weekend as the learners were given extra lessons. These sacrifices should be commended because our teachers do care for the learners and will do everything in their power to help them realise their maximum potential.

These sacrifices are sometimes hindered by violence in our schools. We hope the renewed commitments by all stakeholders in the recently held Safety Summit will pave a way for safe and conducive environment in schools.

We urge parents and communities to provide good support to the learners during this period which we know is filled with anxiety. We further urge parents to give the learners the best parental support and motivation to make things easier for the learners to write the final examinations.

Issued by The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union