“Let Our Children Write”: A Plea for Peace as KZN’s Matrics Start Crucial Trial Exams

“Let Our Children Write”: A Plea for Peace as KZN’s Matrics Start Crucial Trial Exams

This Monday, a quiet but determined army of Grade 12 learners across KwaZulu-Natal will pick up their pens for a major battle: the start of the Preliminary National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations. But their biggest challenge might not be on the exam paper it could be on the streets outside their school gates.

In a heartfelt appeal, the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) has called on communities to put down their protest placards and allow this critical academic period to proceed without disruption. It’s a plea born from painful experience, where the legitimate service delivery grievances of communities have historically collided with the future prospects of matriculants.

The High Stakes of the “Trial Run”

For any matric learner, the trial exams are more than just another test. They are the definitive dress rehearsal for the final performance in October. The results expose weaknesses, build confidence, and ultimately shape the final study plan for the exams that determine university acceptance and career paths.

The KZN Education Department underscored this, stating, “These examinations play a crucial role in preparing learners for the Final NSC Examinations.” The final exams are scheduled to run from October 21 until November 26.

A Call for a Unified Front

Matakanya Matakanye of the NASGB didn’t just address communities; he called for a three-way pact between parents, the government, and the public.

“We first want to congratulate the children for handling themselves in a proper manner to finally get to this point,” Matakanye said, starting his appeal on a positive note. His message was clear:

• To Parents: “Make sure that these children have ample opportunities to focus.”

• To Communities: “Do not use this opportunity to air their grievances; this is not the time for that.”

• To Government & Municipalities: “Ensure that there are no disruptions or service interruptions during this time, even by municipalities. We know that in some schools, services are being cut for non-payment.”

This last point is crucial. It highlights a two-pronged threat: external protests and internal administrative failures like water or electricity cuts over unpaid bills.

The MEC’s Message to Learners

KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka had his own message for the learners themselves: “We motivate, inspire, and encourage our Grade 12 learners to manage their time wisely and to use the preliminary exams as a rehearsal for the finals.”

His practical advice? Revise past papers, maintain a healthy balance, and study in focused, productive sessions.

The collective message from officials and advocates is one of shared responsibility. It’s a recognition that a child’s success in matric is not theirs alone it is a reflection of the ecosystem around them. By providing a calm, stable, and supportive environment for the next few weeks, communities aren’t just avoiding disruption; they are actively investing in the future of their own youth.

Let’s give them no excuses. Let them write.

{Source: IOL}

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