Limpopo Provincial Government holds prayer session for matric exams

Just a few hours before the matric 2024 first paper is set to be written, the Limpopo Provincial Government held a prayer session on Sunday the 20th of October in Polokwane for matric learners. The session was led by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba accompanied by MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, Violet Mathye, Tshitereke Matibe and the South African Church Council amongst others.

The prayer was a symbolic gesture to parents for their support to their children’s educational journey, and educators for dedicating their time and skills to learners even during the weekends without any monetary compensation, with the best interest of learners at the center.

With 124 0000 learners in the province sitting for the 2024 matric examinations with the aim of getting an overall 80% pass rate this year, Department of Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye has given assurance to the people of Limpopo that her department together with South African Police Service (SAPS) will ensure the safety of learners and school infrastructure during the exam period.

“The Provincial Commissioner, General Thembi Hadebe already has Community Policing Forum (CPF) on board to ensure the safety of our learners who will want to study at school premises after hours in preparation for the examination. Working together with the CPF will enhance the SAPS visibility to safeguard the schools and learners from experiencing criminal acts,” said Mathye.

Learners were encouraged to continue with prayers to seek strength to conclude their examinations without falling to anxiety and mental block of what they have prepared throughout the year. Strength to keep calm and not get tempted to cheat nor fall prey to the pressure of social media.

Addressing learners, parents and the communities through both physical and virtual platforms, Premier, Dr. Ramathuba said the province believes in the power of prayer and the strength that comes from divine intervention. Thus, that is the main reason the Provincial Government had to arrange a prayer for all learners sitting for the examinations

“Educators and parents have done well; they have played their roles. These exams are not just tests, but steppingstones for your brighter future. Education is a beautiful and transformative force, a key that holds the potential to unlock countless doors to your future. It is not just about acquiring knowledge but empowering yourself with the ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and shape the course of your life,” motivated Dr. Ramathuba

The Premier requested parents and guardians to continue supporting learners until the last day of exams by giving them time to study, and minimise on household chores, loud music, and television.

Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has also pleaded with tavern owners and other establishments such as churches to consider this crucial study time for the next six weeks by being moderately quiet during social gatherings. This will allow the province to produce the best results that the community would have contributed to. She also called on traditional leaders to work together with the CPF and SAPS in their areas to have a peaceful and successful 2024 matric examinations period.

Learners were also warned to refrain from cheating to avoid being associated to leaked exam papers during the examination as this would have a negative impact on their future academic endeavours. EC