COSATU wishes all Grade 12 learners well in their end of the year examinations starting this week.

30 October 2023

The Congress of South African Trade Unions wishes all Grade 12 learners well in their end of the year examinations starting this week. These are important exams that represent the end of the beginning in their journey of life into adulthood.

Education remains the backbone in the development of our country and a major practical weapon in addressing the social inequalities, unemployment, and the elimination of poverty.

These results are important in preparing these matriculants for a working career. It is important and necessary that these final exams are used to prepare a foundation that will allow them to pursue skills that are needed by the economy.  Too many graduates are left unemployed simply because they lack the skills that the labour market requires. 

COSATU demands an increase in the NSFAS’ funding because currently it continues to exclude most working-class students.  This is critical if we are to ensure that the doors of learning are indeed open to all South Africans. Going forward the Federation wants to see policymakers and decisionmakers ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable to all South Africans.  The continuous administrative and funding challenges students experience at NSFAS need to be resolved.

Problems that have engulfed the basic education sector need to be resolved as a matter of urgency.  These include the eradication of learners sitting under trees because of classroom shortages; and the use of pit toilets. All learners should get their textbooks on time and that all schools should be well resourced, safe and conducive for learning and teaching.

Good luck to the Class of 2023!

Issued by COSATU 

For further information please contact:

Matthew Parks
Acting National Spokesperson & Parliamentary Coordinator
Cell: 082 785 0687