According to MEC for Education Barbara Creecy, the number of pupils from township schools who achieved a 100 percent pass rate in maths and science had increased from one pupil in 2012 to four in 2013.
The province’s top performing matriculant was a black pupil from the school improvement programme, Creecy added.
Praise Ndebele of Ponelopele Secondary School, a no- fee school, achieved eight distinctions, including full marks for maths and science.
Creecy said that of the 384 schools in the school improvement programme, 365 had achieved a pass rate higher than 60 percent, and of those schools 137 surpassed an 80 percent pass rate, while 80 schools obtained a pass rate above 90 percent.
Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said that since 1994, the doors of learning and culture had been opened to all.
“The education of the African child can no longer be negotiated, it can no longer be postponed,” she added.
Mokoyane highlighted the improved performance of black girls and reinforced that the “African girl child” could no longer be judged by her ability to bear children or carry wood on her head.
“You can do anything you want as an African girl child. The country has made it possible for you,” she said.
Mokonyane advised the matric class of 2013 that “the sky is not the limit, go above the sky and if there is something above the sky, occupy it and own it”.
Meanwhile Creecy urged pupils who did not pass matric to return to their schools and, based on their exact results, inquire if they should write a supplementary exam or rewrite all their exams.
“We know that many of you gave it your best and to you we say you are not alone. There are many options for you going forward,” Creecy said.
She advised pupils who were feeling down to speak to someone they trust or contact support structures such as Lifeline and Childline.
Details: Lifeline: 011 728 1347 or Childline: 0800 000 55 555.
