By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Thabo Mofutsanyana district is looking to reclaim its position as the best performing district in the province, and the chief education specialist FET, Malefetsane Mokomotoane says programmes are in place to ensure all matric learners are on board.
Motomotoane said this while analysing the results of Thabo Mofutsanyana district and where they are in terms of preparedness.
He was speaking on behalf of the district education director Lindiwe Mabaso at a matric prayer at Kgola Thuto last Sunday.
The event was also attended Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga who was accompanied by Premier of Free State Sefora Ntombela and education MEC Tate Makgoe.
“There are still gaps that need to be filled. Focus is on learners who are at risk. In the final push towards the 2022 exams, we are running a programme on topics that are intended to identify topics that learners still struggle with, in order to fill those gaps. Top performing learners are not responding well to high order questions and that is our focus now.”
He, however, proclaimed that learners are ready for the final examinations which are scheduled to start in a few weeks.
“All learners are ready for the exams, not only in maths and science but in all subjects.”
For her part, Motshekga reminded the learners of the importance of putting in more effort to ensure that they attain Nation Senior Certificate (NSC) with best results.
She described the NSC certificate as the only important document besides the Identity Document, that provides the level of intellect of a learner, hence it remains a basic requirement even after achieving many degrees.
“NSC has a huge impact and is a strong currency compared to other countries. The labour market values our certificate. We have done even a benchmark study and compared ourselves with other countries such as Kenya and Austria. I can assure you, we compete extremely well; that is why our certificate is acceptable internationally.”
Education MEC Tate Makgoe described education as a way of breaking the poverty cycle.
“Minister, I am happy and thank you for investing in education; that’s how we break cycle of poverty.”
Ntombela also challenged the learners to reclaim their top position.
“You heard the minister calling us a winning province. I am happy to observe the commitment of the teachers, principals and their excitement in the run up to the exams. They are confident of the best results.”
Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung Gilbert Mokotso said despite its financial constraints the municipality still does its part to fund some learners through partnerships with the business community.
“I have spoken to different business people who are paying fees for our learners.”
