Matrics celebrate
JOBURG - The 7th of January marked the end of a 12-year schooling journey for 78.2% of the national 2013 matriculants. A significant improvement from a 60.6% pass rate from 2009, when Angie Motshekga took over as Minister of Basic Education. This was the best result since the dawn of democracy.
Gauteng was the third best performing province behind Free State and North West. Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy announced that the province had achieved an 87 percent pass rate, up from 83.9 percent last year, a 13.14 percent improvement.
Highlands North Boys’ High School principal Meneer Mokgalaka, who only joined the school late in Novemeber, said although the school did relatively well, he was not entirely satisfied with the 74 percent pass rate achieved by the pupils. “We are going to sit down and formulate a turn-around strategy because I believe we can significantly improve on this,” he said.
Elvis Mabusela, who had just completed matric at the school, was jubilant about his achievement, and he said his plan was to study medicine this year. “Twelve years of schooling was worth it and I feel ready to mould a success sculpture of myself,” he said.
Another former pupil, Conrad Mmotsa, said although he felt he should have applied more effort, he was pleased with his results. “As leaders of the future we need to reflect on the year 2013 and look ahead to prosperous beginnings. Those who didn’t make it should keep their heads up and try again.” He said he planned to study mechanical engineering or politics.
A total of 85 122 Gauteng pupils passed matric in 2013. “Particularly pleasing is the fact that all 15 education districts in Gauteng achieved a matric pass rate above 82 percent for the first time. We have made important strides in closing the gap between schools serving poor communities and those with a strong middle class component,” said Creecy.
