Obstacles that matric students face
The Department of Basic Education is confident that national senior certificate examinations will not be adversely affected by the issuin of three Occupational Health and Safety Act prohibition notices at the Government Printing Works’ (GPW’s) Bosman Street, Tshwane building by the Department of Employment and Labour's inspection and enforcement services.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The final exams for the 2025 Class of Matric started on 21 October. The outcome of this will determine the future of over 900,000 candidates.
A South African matric certificate serves as a prerequisite for future educational and career opportunities.
As the future leaders prepare their future, however, others have to deal with a number of problems, some of which are beyond their control and may affect their performance on the matriculation exams.
Recent reports indicate that students at some Gauteng schools may experience disruptions due to water and electricity disconnections caused by unpaid utility debt.
Due to recent service cuts, schools such as Filadelfia Secondary LSEN School in Soshanguve and E.W. Hobbs Primary in Eldorado Park have experienced disruptions in teaching and learning during this crucial time of the academic year.
The aforementioned schools are among many others that are experiencing mounting financial difficulties as a result of their monthly utility bills being significantly less than their municipal debt.
To guarantee that the impacted students have an equal opportunity to shape their future, we implore MEC Matome Chiloane of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to act immediately.
During this time, South African students are subjected to a microscope of expectations, battling not only the demands of academic exams but also the tremendous pressure from peers, families, and their own self-imposed standards. Many students are plagued by the constant fear of failing, which exacerbates an already unstable condition centered on elevated stress and anxiety levels. They don't require more coercion.
Poverty remains another challenge. Many students come from low-income households, which can lead to hunger, stress, and a lack of resources that negatively impact their performance during the exams.
It's obvious that not all students are on an even playing field. We can only wish our future leaders luck on the tests, which are anticipated to last until November 27.
Good luck to the matriculants.