The Western Cape Minister of Education, Ms Helen Zille, and the Acting Head of Education in the province, Mr Johan Fourie, have extended their best wishes to all candidates writing the Senior Certificate examinations this year.

Candidates will write the examinations from Monday, 15 October, to Tuesday, 20 November. Schools held valedictory assemblies across the province today, 10 October, to bid farewell to their Grade 12 learners.

"This is an important moment in the lives of all you who are writing these examinations," said Ms Zille and Mr Fourie in a joint message.

"Not only are you writing the most important examinations in your life, but you are also preparing to enter into adulthood, after at least 12 years of schooling.

"You have said farewell to teachers and school friends, who have supported and grown with you during these crucial years of your life. It is not easy to say goodbye.

"New challenges and opportunities are now waiting for you as you prepare to enter the next phase of your lives. We trust that you will do everything possible to make the most of them.

"In the meantime, you have done well to get this far in your school careers, often in spite of very difficult circumstances. We join your parents, families, teachers and friends in wishing you everything of the very best as you write your Senior Certificate examinations."