Riyaz Patel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the 81,3% 2019 matric pass rate, saying its a “clear signal that government’s substantial investment in education, in pupil and teacher support and in educational infrastructure is yielding results.”
The results, described as a “triumph” by the President, are the highest since the advent of democracy in 1994, and the first time the combined matric pass rate has breached the 80% threshold.
“South Africans can be proud that education, like most aspects of our nation’s development, is on an upward trajectory which should inspire all of us to work together to accelerate and maintain excellence,” Ramaphosa said.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga announced Tuesday evening, that 787 717 candidates sat for the 2019 National Senior Certificate Examinations countrywide.
The 2019 pass rate represents a 3,1% improvement from 2018 when the national pass rate stood at 78,2%.
The Eastern Cape recorded the highest improvement in the matric pass rate, and not one of the country’s 75 districts performed below 60%.
“These are stellar achievements,” said President Ramaphosa.
Announcing the results at Vodaworld in Midrand, Motshekga pointed to the increase in specialized schools offering subjects like agricultural studies and maritime studies as well as the introduction of subjects such as entrepreneurship into the national curriculum.
“These are critical subjects that will enable us to meet the needs of our economy and prepare our young people for the workplace of the future: in this regard the Class of 2019 are pioneers,” Ramaphosa said.
“To the Class of 2019, you have done yourselves proud and returned the investment made in you by your families, teachers, communities and mentors.”
The President also had consoling words for those candidates who did not perform well.
“Do not be discouraged, but courageously persevere towards your goals,” Ramaphosa said; adding that government would continue to provide support to learners to complete their education as well as to address weaknesses in the system.
The President urged learners across all grades to embrace learning as a lifelong and pleasurable pursuit that not only adds economic value and enhances employability, but which also “enhances people’s outlook on life and their contribution to society beyond the world of work.”
