The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) extends its heartfelt well-wishes to the Grade 12 learners of 2024 as they begin their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams on Monday, 21 October 2024 . To all 732,448 learners preparing to take this critical step toward their futures, we encourage you to put your best foot forward, knowing that every effort you’ve made until now counts. This is your time to rise and prove your capability.
The Federation acknowledges the remarkable achievements of the 2023 matriculants and urges the class of 2024 to aim even higher. We believe in your potential to surpass last year’s performance, and we hope to see a 100% pass rate. However, it is important to highlight the significant obstacles many of you face—especially the 31% of learners in rural, underfunded, under-resourced, and understaffed schools.
It is a disgrace that in 2024, learners in marginalized communities are still deprived of the quality education they deserve. Despite the government’s promises, these learners remain trapped in a broken system where the most basic educational infrastructure is lacking. Rural schools continue to suffer from insufficient resources, including teaching materials, school buildings, and even adequate sanitation. For these students, the NSC is more than just a certificate—it is a potential escape from poverty, a chance to further their studies, and an opportunity to uplift their families from challenging circumstances.
We also remain deeply disappointed that many learners in rural provinces continue to endure the additional burden of inadequate scholar transport. It is unacceptable that students must walk as much as 30 kilometers a day just to attend school. This not only exhausts them physically but also affects their capacity to learn and perform academically. SAFTU calls on the Department of Basic Education to prioritize addressing these issues urgently. Ensuring accessible, safe, and reliable transport for all learners is not just a right—it is essential for ensuring that the Class of 2025 and future generations are not subjected to the same hardships.
Despite these systemic failures, the resilience shown by this year’s matrics is commendable. You have persevered through difficult conditions, and we salute your determination. May your hard work and perseverance bear the fruits of success, and may you make your hardworking parents and communities proud.
We stand by you in solidarity, and we call upon the government to fulfill its responsibility by providing equal opportunities to all learners, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic backgrounds. Education should be a right, not a privilege, and it is time for the government to uphold its duty to ensure quality education for every South African child.
Good luck to the class of 2024—your future is bright, and we are confident you will achieve great things!