Thousands of learners from peri-urban and urban schools were encouraged to succeed before the matric final exams as the Eastern Cape Province seeks a pass rate of least 70%.
Provincial ANC Chief Whip Mzoleli Mrara, a former Chairman of Education in the legislature, said learners from schools in the major cities do not have any reason why they cannot become top achievers.
“The top districts are from the rural areas. Maluti, Cradock and Cofimvaba are amongst the best. Some of these districts are where learners are learning in mud structures or don’t have any computers or even flushing toilets. Those students are grabbed by top universities in the country. Once you perform and become a top performer top companies will grab you and want to assist you.
“I am motivating you and want to make you understand that it is possible. There is no reason why the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage districts cannot compete with these rural districts.
“We have set a target of 70% for our province for this year, next year it is 77% and 80% the year after that.
“The youth of 1976 decided and vowed to cut their lives short for the benefit of future generations. Your brothers and sisters laid down their lives for you to benefit. Every Saturday we would bury up to twenty young people in our townships who fought for a better live for you.
“Read, read and read. Your success is the only thing that can make them sleep peacefully,” he encouraged.
Mrara, also a former teacher from several schools in Port Elizabeth, was followed by Coega’s Developmental Analyst Nomzamo Kolo.
“As young people in South Africa you are our hope to work towards a crime free society. Your future is starting now. It is important that you must know what you want in life and to dream. It is not going to be easy but it is now time that you make the right choices and it will have to come with a bit of sacrifice. You need to choose not to do drugs and you need to live well. Passing matric is not easy and it is not difficult either. Others did it before you and you can do it as well. You need dedication and hard work.
“The most important way to succeed is to try just one more time,” she added.
Member of Parliament Litho Suka made a call to all churches in Nelson Mandela Bay to lead a prayer service for the learners before they start the exam and also reminded the learners of their importance.
“We are hosting you to shape your minds so that you are ready for the future. We are here to expose you to other opportunities after school. Some of you might not be able to go to university but there are other avenues that you can consider to contribute to a better South Africa,” he enthused.
The Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton was filled to capacity at the event organized jointly by National Parliament, Passenger Rail Association of South Africa, Department of Transport, Department of Education and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
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