The countdown has begun for the Matric Class of 2023 to know their fate.
This is the class that faced challenge of navigating school during the times of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
One year into high school, they were thrust into academic world of uncertainty in grade 9.
Instead of teachers standing in front of them, they had to be on their own, and in some cases their parents and guardians had to turn into teachers.
The government ordered quarantine, schools and businesses had to close for everyone to be home to control and contain the spread of the virus.
It was a chaotic time for education which saw some pupils drop out of school.
A study conducted by Stats SA revealed that most households did not have digital assets such as laptops and tablets at home that would allow pupils to learn remotely using digital tools.
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While cellphone ownership was high (91,3%) in 2020 among all households with children aged 5–24, computer ownership has remained relatively low (24,7%).
In 2021, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced a back to school, adding that this was to prevent "academic disaster".
The decision was met with criticism, with citizens calling for her axing as she didn't care about the safety of pupils and teachers.
Schools responded by offering classes on a rotational basis to facilitate social distancing.
To navigate its way through the uncertainty brought by the pandemic, the department came up with new educational policies and regulations which included the adjustment of the academic timetable, new teaching programmes, mode of delivery, catch up of the curriculum, health and safety measures as well as financial relief packages.
But experts believe the class of 2023, like the class of 2021 and 2022, will rise above their challenge and come out at the top.
On Thursday, 18 January, Motshekga is expected to announce the results of the 2023 class.
This will then be followed by various provincial MECs announcing theirs on Friday, 19 January.
