Julia Kampel writes an open letter to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, saying that it is unfair that matric pupils will have to rewrite the maths and science papers because of the actions of a few.
Dear Education Minister Angie Motshekga
The following is written on behalf of the matric year group 2020:
On the 9 July 2020, I came across an article on News24. it was titled: And the least trusted government minister is... Angie Motshekga, survey finds. I skimmed the page, shrugged my shoulders and moved on. I must say - I was not surprised to say the least.
At that point in time, I did not feel what I am experiencing today. This is because you had not yet caused me numerous mental breakdowns, jeopardised my marks and let down over one million students.
Fast forward to three months later - 4 December - where you announced the rewrite of mathematics and physical science paper 2.
Now I want you to put yourself in our shoes for a few seconds:
You have been working since the 20 September, from 07:00 to 23:00, day after day for three months.
You have not seen a person outside your house since March.
You have not been to school to learn work.
You have not had the support a normal year group gets.
Your family has lost income.
You have had family members suffer from Covid-19.
You have told yourself one more weekend. One more push.
You are loyal and fair and DID NOT cheat.
Now... you have to rewrite 2 of your hardest subjects.
How do you feel? Devastated? Let down? Anger? Helpless?
To make things worse, South Africa is just entering its second peak. There has been an increase in positive cases and you have to enter a hall with over 100 students - risking your life and your families life - with NO way out.
Take a second look around.
You have failed your students, you have failed at your job at minister of education and you are solely responsible for the mental and physical state of thousands of learners.
You are wasting money. There is a 30% unemployment rate. Look at what’s important here - because I can ensure you that in no way possible, it is a school exam.
You have a second chance - a chance to make this right. On behalf on the innocent matric year group of 2020, I am pleading with you to cancel this rewrite and punish those who committed the crime.
Once again, please think of the 99% of students who were innocent and the poor people with no food living in the street.
The matric class of 2020 is looking forward to hearing from you.
- Julia Kampel, matric of 2020