With the class of 2018 set to begin their matric final exams next week on Monday, a church in Butterworth has prayed for an improved pass rate.
Members of the St Johns Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Zazulwana village in Butterworth held a prayer for all matric students over the weekend.
Scores of pupils, their parents and officials from Walter Sisulu University faculty of education in Mthatha campus attended the event.
WSU lecturer from the Komani campus, Nomxolisi Mtsi, and marketing and communications officer, Mandlakazi Khekhezwa, from the Butterworth campus, motivated the pupils.
Prayer organiser Siphenathi Fihla, an active member of the church and a part-time WSU lecturer, said they saw a need for the prayer since most pupils encounter problems when it is time for exams.
It is hoped that the prayer will help in improving the province’s matric pass rate.
The Eastern Cape has, for seven consecutive years, been coming bottom of the class when the results are released.
Reverend Lisbon Mjekula said the purpose of the prayer was to ask God to give the pupils the strength and obedience to face the inevitable pressures that will arise as they prepare for their final exams.
“The other purpose was to inspire and motivate them to refrain from drugs and wrongdoing. We also extend wishes of success in their examinations, we also pray for better improvement of matric results in the Eastern Cape at large.
“Mandlakazi Khekhezwa encouraged students to take a proactive role in their learning and learn from experts in diverse fields and career paths.
“Admission decisions at WSU are based solely on academic criteria, your ability and potential. We have different courses and no magic formula that will guarantee you that you are offered a place. However, your hard work and dedication will do,” she said.
Mtsi said: “Focus does not come naturally, one needs to be motivated and mentored to become a better person with better opportunities. You will meet different people who will reduce your vision.”..