THERE were sighs of relief yesterday, followed by wild cheering and guzzling of beer as many matrics wrote their final paper.
Many of Mzansi’s 801 688 full and part-time matrics placed their last full stop yesterday, marking the end of 12 years of school.
Then celebrations erupted as pupils packed away their pens across the country.
Earlier they wrote English Home Language and First Additional Language Paper 3.
At Nqabakazulu High School in KZN, matrics were dancing and singing outside their classroom, celebrating a great year.
Siyabonga Dlamini (18) said he was ecstatic to finally be finished with matric.
He told Daily Sun when he began the exams he was scared and stressing about how he would cope.
“I am grateful I have finally reached the end. It has been a tough year, with studying and having sleepless nights.
“ I just wanted to finish school and forget about wearing a uniform,” Siyabonga said.
Sifiso Gcwensa (17) from KwaMashu is one of the school’s best performing pupils. He told Daily Sun he was well prepared throughout the exams and was aiming for 90% in most subjects.
“I was a bit scared because I didn’t know how the papers were going to be set up, but when I started writing I realised that I was scared of nothing.
“I am now waiting for the results,” cheerful Sifiso said.
Despite the Life Sciences Paper 2 being leaked in the Vhembe district of Limpopo, the education department said the exams had progressed well and would be monitored until the end.
Exams will officially end on Friday with the writing of visual arts and music.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to announce the results on 5 January. Matric pupils will get their results on 6 January.
