20 January 2024

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Mpumalanga Province congratulates the Mpumalanga matric class of 2023 on the improved results from 76.8 per cent in 2022 to 76.95 per cent in the year 2023. The improvement means a lot as it is a result of gallant efforts of learners, educators, principals and the dedicated School Governing Bodies.

It is a well-known fact that 2023 was a very difficult year for the learners in various parts of the province where some learners were disturbed during their exam sessions. This put trauma on the learners as they also had to deal with other issues not related to their academic activities.

Parents, guardians and law enforcement agencies will need to develop an interest in coming close to our schools in terms of assisting and protecting learners against criminal activities. The Rhandza Xikolo Xa Xawena Campaign which was successfully led by the department needs to be intensified in the current year as it has a potential to encourage more participation from various stake holders.

We have confidence in our educators, learners and the department that working together will improve the results even further. The department had another challenge emanating from individuals who were hell bent on seeing it fail because of their selfish interests that have nothing to do with the education of our children.

The tendering system has proven to be cancerous in our democratic dispensation as the hunger for money and greed has had many voices that were mobilised to attack the MEC of Education in Mpumalanga.  Unfortunately, these faceless individuals who hide behind their hired pocket knives are not doing anything to improve the conditions and performance of learners.

The SACP calls on progressive forces and stakeholders in the education sector to work together and deal with these challenges for the benefit of the learners in our province.

The SACP also urges those who did not make it to not despair but look for other options to further their studies particularly in TVET colleges. Those who are willing to improve their results must also be encouraged to do so. We once more congratulate the class of 2023.

ISSUED BY SACP MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

Contacts:

Lucky Mbuyane
SACP Provincial Secretary
082 351 5804

Lesetja Dikgale
SACP Spokesperson
076 869 4360