David Maynier, Western Cape minister of education, hosted the National Senior Certificate Awards on Tuesday, bringing together parents, teachers and the province’s top achievers to recognise the Matric Class of 2023’s outstanding achievements.
Also read: Five Western Cape districts achieve over 80% matric pass rates
Maynier praised the matric pass rate of the Western Cape Class of 2023, despite numerous challenges throughout the year.
‘After years of disrupted learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2023 we faced minibus taxi blockades and strikes, two major floods, and severe load shedding. Yet despite this, the Western Cape Class of 2023 increased the matric pass rate for the third year running to 81.54%,’ said Maynier in a speech during the ceremony.
Western Cape candidates performed admirably, with all 50 520 successful candidates meeting the requirements for higher education.
In total, 42.2% of candidates graduated with a bachelor’s degree, the highest percentage ever recorded, allowing them to attend university. The Western Cape also had the highest pass rates in critical subjects for the national and provincial economies, at 75.4% for mathematics and 82.2% for physical sciences.
Equally impressive was the increase in retention rate, which rose to 69.3%, demonstrating the dedication of school staff and particularly principals, who prioritise giving learners opportunities to pass rather than holding them back to improve pass rates.
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‘Getting both the pass rate and the retention rate to move in a positive direction is a difficult task, and our school staff, and particularly our principals, are making the choice to give more learners a shot at passing their matric exams instead of holding them back to improve their school pass rate,’ said Maynier.
Maynier acknowledged that the province could reduce the retention rate, but that this would result in ‘fewer learners writing and passing their exams,’ as well as an increased risk of them dropping out entirely.
He expressed his pleasure in showcasing the talents of the region’s artists and musicians at this year’s celebration, emphasising the importance of recognising students’ contributions beyond academic achievements.
The province was also proud to produce the top candidate in the country, Melissa Müller from Rhenish Girls’ High School.
Müller not only won the title of top public school candidate but also the top Quintile 5 candidate and the leading mathematics candidate nationally – an outstanding achievement that demonstrates the Western Cape candidates’ consistent excellence.
Five more Western Cape students received recognition at the national results ceremony in Gauteng, highlighting the province’s diverse talents.
In his speech, Maynier expressed delight at the increased recognition of students with special needs, emphasising the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education for all students.
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The minister outlined the new educational direction, emphasising the government’s vision of quality education for every learner, classroom and school in the Western Cape.
Despite significant budget constraints, Maynier assured the audience that the Western Cape Government would continue to fight for the necessary funds to carry out their vision.
In a special message to matric parents, Minister Maynier acknowledged their role in supporting their children through thick and thin, as well as the unique anxiety that comes with being a parent of a matric learner.
Maynier took great pride in the Matric Class of 2023, praising their dedication, hard work and investment in their own futures.
He encouraged them to maintain their motivation and determination, assuring them that their talents and abilities would play an important role in shaping the province’s future.
Also read:
President Ramaphosa celebrates exceptional matric results for 2023
Picture: Supplied
