The 2024 Matric students are writing their first exam paper today. According to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube; exam papers have been through quality assurance, printed and security is in place and exam centers are ready. About 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates will sit their matric exams — totaling to  882,336 candidates across South Africa. The Education Department wishes all the  matric learners  well, especially because this year's crop of matriculants began high school at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the disruptions having had a lasting impact on their learning. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Elijah Mhlanga,  the spokesperson of Basic Education Department