For Eastern Cape 2009 grade 12 learners, the time to reap the benefits of hard work, sacrifice and dedication has come. After working the whole year the endeavour of dedicated teachers, learners and parents get examined and its success is revealed by the performance of grade 12 learners on national senior certificate examinations.
Although the road to the release of the matric results is still very long, the provincial Education Department has given the 2009 exams thumbs up in terms of the smooth sailing progress.
According to the Eastern Cape Education Director for Assessment and Examinations, Mzimhle Mabona, the department has not experienced any major challenges apart from minor administrative irregularities such as the change of subjects, unregistered candidates and schools that did not effect corrections in schedules which were provided to the schools. He added that Lady Frere and Graaff Reinet have managed their registration processes excellently this year.
Success in examinations is not automatic but the result of continuous effort and diligence. This is what was shown by the examination officials who are working hard in making the examination machinery run smoothly.
“These officials have been working very hard and in a synchronised and well oiled manner,” said a proud Mabona.
Furthermore, Mabona also stated that there have not been any reports of leakages within the province.
“I am proud to say that the job has been well done and all is good so far, however it would be suicidal to lower our guards. We cannot be complacent,” added Mabona.
This year’s (2009) registered Eastern Cape grade 12 candidates are 10 979 more than 2008 figures. Hence an increase of 15.4 percent from 60 297 in 2008 to 71 276 in 2009 is disclosed by Eastern Cape assessment and examinations.
Encountering previous years’ challenge of poor matric results a national decision to extend teaching and learning period was taken, therefore the release of 2009 results will be on 7 January 2010.
Issued by: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
22 December 2009
Source: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoe.gov.za/)
