Cape Town - Resilience can best describe the matric Class of 2022, who had the odds heavily stacked against them.
They first had to navigate the challenges presented by the onset of Covid-19 when it was declared a pandemic in 2020. They were in Grade 10 and, like all of us, knew little of what the future had in store for them.
Many were forced out of their schools as parents could not keep up with fees, transport and other costs.
Adding more pressure to this crop was the fact that schooling, as they knew it, was turned upside down, having to shift to virtual classes and social distancing in classes when they were finally allowed to return to in-person learning.
Along the way, some contracted and recovered from Covid-19, while others were not as fortunate and lost their parents, friends and teachers.
Most teachers will tell you that nothing could have prepared them for what Covid-19 brought to their work.
Congratulating the teachers who braved these uncharted waters, and for putting their lives on the line may seem like applauding a fish for swimming. Far from it.
They deserve all the recognition they can get for ensuring that these pupils finally get to look forward to this day.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga should therefore not only recognise the pivotal role that teachers played in preparing the Class of 2022, but must improve their working conditions.
That should start with ensuring that load shedding is limited at schools. It should then be followed by ensuring their safety from criminals masquerading as pupils. That we have lost some teachers due to criminality and there is little to no information of anyone being charged, let alone being convicted, should outrage all of us.
No teacher in South Africa should have to look over their shoulder inside school premises where they are supposed to feel safe and protected.
They should not have to carry the burden of teaching overcrowded classes, especially in poor black communities due to bad planning by the government.
So when Motshekga announces the matric results this afternoon, she must do so with the full acknowledgement of the sterling job that the teachers have done under trying circumstances.
To the pupils: you have shown the country that indeed it always seems impossible until it’s done, and we salute you.
Cape Times