Free State MEC for education Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya visited Brebner Secondary School in Bloemfontein to assess preparations for the examinations, with 72 learners writing Cat at the centre. “I had to come and make sure that everything is in order, and indeed, everything is in order.”

She said she had visited the computer labs where learners would be writing and confirmed the equipment had been checked to ensure they were functioning properly. A technician was also on standby to address any technical glitches that might arise during the examination.

“The issue of electricity is also taken care of. We do have backup generators in all the centres where learners are writing this subject, so that should there be a power failure, we should not be caught unprepared.”

Invigilators had been trained and were prepared to ensure examination procedures were followed. “I’m also happy because I met with them. They have been properly trained, and they know exactly what to do in terms of making sure that we stick to all the examination rules.”

Free State MEC for education Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya. Photo: Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa

Maboya said learners at Brebner Secondary School appeared prepared for the examination, adding more than half of those she spoke to were confident of achieving distinctions. “The learners themselves, as you can see, are well prepared. They are ready to write.”

She added the practical component of Cat could help learners achieve distinctions. She expressed confidence in the learners’ preparation and wished the Class of 2026 well as they write their final examinations, which are scheduled to conclude on 26 November.

“We are more than ready, and I can definitely say that our learners are well prepared. We wish the Class of 2026 all the best as they write these examinations. We are confident that they have prepared themselves, together with their educators, to ensure that the examinations are successful,” she said.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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