The long wait for the Grade 12s of 2023 is over, and many matrics flocked to their schools after their results were announced on Friday.
According to the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, the matric class of 2023 achieved the highest pass rate in the post-1994 epoch.
“The pass rate of this class is exceptional and the learners have shown great resilience,” she said. “The more than 700 000 learners who passed are real Covid-19 babies who did not have it easy, as they were exposed to the pandemic during Grade 9 and 10, and had to endure the gravest load shedding in history during their final year.”
In the Overberg the matric results were received with mixed feelings, with some of the schools accusing the government for the poor matric results.
“Load shedding definitely played a role in the previously disadvantaged schools,” a member of a governing body said. “Some of the learners had to study with cellphone lights. The floods in September also caused chaos and learners were stranded at home for days.” Theewaterskloof – five schools achieve a 90% pass rate
Mayor Mary Liebenberg said it was with immense pride and joy that she extended her warmest congratulations to every one of the matriculants on this momentous occasion. “As Mayor of Theewaterskloof I am truly inspired by the exceptional achievements of matriculants from the region and surrounding Overberg area,” she said.
Overberg High School in Caledon received top honours as best performing high school in the Overberg region with an impressive 100% pass rate (see story on page 4).
This was followed by De Rust Futura Academy (Grabouw) with a pass rate of 98,6%, De Villiers Graaff High School (Villiersdorp) with a pass rate of 94,9%, Grabouw High School with a pass rate of 92,2% and Groenberg Secondary School (Grabouw) with a pass rate of 90,8%.
Swartberg Secondary School in Caledon had a 13,5% improvement with an 87,2% pass rate, while Emil Weder High School in Genadendal achieved a pass rate of 83,3%. Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw had a 19% increase with a 81,8% pass rate, while Villiersdorp Secondary School received an 81,5% pass rate and Riviersonderend High School 60%.
“To those who have excelled, your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed,” said Liebenberg. “This is a significant milestone, and I encourage you to continue pursuing excellence as you embark on your future endeavours.
“Theewaterskoof Municipality is privileged to have such bright and talented individuals shaping our community’s future.”Overstrand – 100% pass rate for private schools
The municipal manager of the Overstrand Municipality, Dean O’Neill, congratulated the matric class of 2023: “Congratulations and well done to the high schools in the Overstrand for maintaining consistent effort for excellence.”VTo page 4.