President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his best wishes to the matrics of 2021, saying the country is immensely proud of the nearly 900 000 candidates who will be sitting for the National Senior Certificate examination.

Matric final exams kicked-off on Wednesday with the language papers, with the first sitting for English Home Language, English First Additional Language and English Second Additional Language.

Ramaphosa said the country can be proud of the determination, focus and sacrifice with which learners braved the 2021 academic year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on school life, home life, social interaction and society.

“We wish you the best of success in your final revision and in your examinations, which will lay the foundations for your life as independent, adult members of our society. This year we place our arms of support around the Class of 2021 who have persevered and endured in their effort to create a better future for themselves, their families and our economy,” he said.

He paid tribute to parents and educators who were also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The President called on learners to adhere to Covid-19 safety regulations throughout the examination period and in the celebrations beyond. He also urged learners to present themselves for Covid-19 vaccination.