GRADE 12 LEARNERS COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE AT PLEDGE SIGNING CEREMONY

As part of the provincial Pledge Signing and Examination Readiness Programme, the Eastern Cape Department of Education hosted a formal Grade 12 Pledge Signing Ceremony on Friday, 17 October 2025. The initiative, which was being implemented across all districts, seeks to promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and commitment among learners ahead of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations.

The ceremony provided an opportunity for learners to publicly commit themselves to ethical conduct during the examinations and to reaffirm their dedication to achieving academic excellence.

The event was attended by the MEC Fundile Gade who gave a resounding keynote address to encourage learners across the province, the HoD Sharon Maasdorp, Senior Management, educators, Stakeholders, and parents. They gathered to lend their support and encouragement to the Class of 2025.

The Head of Department, Sharon Maasdorp led the proceedings in a candlelight session, in remembrance of those we lost along the way, asking God for guidance and protection during this time.

In his address, the MEC commended the learners for their perseverance throughout the year and urged them to remain focused and disciplined as they approach the examinations.

“This pledge is a solemn declaration of honesty and integrity. It represents the values we uphold as Basic Education and our confidence in our learners to face the examinations with dignity and determination,” the MEC said.

Learners collectively recited the pledge and individually signed the commitment register, symbolising their readiness and resolve to approach the NSC examinations with sincerity and fairness.

Different speakers at the ceremony expressed confidence in the learners and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. They also reaffirmed their support for them during this crucial period.

“The pledge signing ceremonies across our province are a reaffirmation of our collective values — honesty, discipline, and perseverance. As you enter this important phase of your academic journey, remember that success is achieved through consistent effort and ethical conduct. The Department believes in your potential and wishes you all the best,” said MEC Gade.

The event concluded with words of motivation and well wishes from the stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of integrity, perseverance, and hard work as key determinants of success in the NSC examinations.