The KwaZulu-Natal department of education was worried that the public service strike could severely impact the results of matrics, a spokeswoman says.
"Common tests for the first and second quarters of this year have revealed that Grade 12 learners did not perform well," said spokeswoman Mbali Thusi.
The department on called on matric pupils to continue going to schools during the strike to prepare for the exams which were two months away.
"They must assist one another on subjects, hold group discussions as well as individual studying," said Thusi.
She called on school principals not to lock schools during the strike, so that learners could use them for studying purposes.
She also called on pupils take full advantage of the Grade 12 catch-up programmes broadcast daily on SABC radio stations.
"The strike, though, is not against learners, but has inevitably seriously affected them."
Government schools in KZN have been severely affected by the public sector strike over wages.
The department condemned violence and intimidation of teachers who did not take part in the strike.
The Congress of SA Trade Unions and the Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) announced on Tuesday that "the strike is on" after their members rejected government's offer of a seven percent salary increase and a R700 monthly housing allowance.
The unions wanted an 8.6 percent increase and R1000 allowance.
The KwaZulu-Natal cabinet was expected to issue a statement on the impact of the strike in the province, said health department spokesman Chris Maxon, saying he can't comment on the impact of the strike.
"We have been told that the province will issue a statement. We as the department have given them the report about what happened."
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