WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier says the Western Cape #ClassOf2023 had to overcome great challenges to deliver great results.
Maynier says despite an exceptionally challenging year, the Western Cape has increased its matric pass rate to 81,54%, and now have over 50 000 successful candidates.
"Every single one the 50 520 candidates who passed met the requirements to access higher education, with 26 182 candidates (42,2%) qualifying with a bachelors pass to attend university, our highest number of bachelors passes ever!" Maynier says.
He is particularly proud that the Western Cape achieved the top Mathematics pass rate at 75,4%, and the top Physical Sciences pass rate at 82,2%.
"These are critical subjects for the national and provincial economy, so we are pleased to see improvements in both compared to 2022. We also have the second highest distinctions rate, with 24 982 subject distinctions being awarded to candidates in the Western Cape."
He says this is an incredible achievement considering the events of 2023. "This includes a devastating minibus taxi strike and an illegal blockade of learner transport in Khayelitsha, two massive floods, and ongoing crippling load shedding.
"What is even more impressive is that the retention rate from Grade 10 to 12 has also increased to 69,3%. Getting both the pass rate and the retention rate to move in a positive direction is a difficult task, and we are pleased that more of the Grade 10 class from two years’ prior are writing and succeeding in their final matric exams."
Six of the Western Cape's outstanding candidates were recognised by the national minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga during the live announcement last night, including the top candidates in the country and the top candidate with special needs.
Top candidates in the entire country:
Public schools: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch
Independent schools: Ethan Myers – Herzlia High School, Vredehoek
Top candidate in Quintile 5:
1st place: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch
2nd place: Jared Ryan Benn – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg
Top candidate in Mathematics:
1st place: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch
Top candidate in Physical Science:
1st place: Jared Ryan Benn – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg
Top candidate in South African Sign Language:
2nd place: Amahle Jemane – De La Bat School, Worcester
Top candidate Special Needs Education:
1st place: Samkelo Gumada – Athlone School for the Blind, Bellville
3rd place: Nizibone Victor Mapolisa – Athlone School for the Blind, Bellville
Maynier says they are especially pleased that learners with special needs are being recognised for their incredible achievement. "Improving access to quality education for learners with special needs is a key priority for our government."
He congratulated and thanked the Western Cape #ClassOf2023, the matric parents and the province's teachers. "Our teachers in the Western Cape are the best of the best, and we wish them all the best in the year ahead."
He says the #ClassOf 2024 have very big shoes to fill. "We believe that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, and we challenge you to follow the example of the 2023 candidates and get stuck in on the hard work from day one!"
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