By Refilwe Mphirime
In celebrating a 66% pass, the Northern Cape Department of Education hosted the matric awards at Protea Hotel in Kimberley.
In his opening remarks, MEC for Education Zolile Monakali stated that the ceremony aims to “Acknowledge and celebrate excellence.”
Monakali paid tribute to his predecessor, Mack Jack and eight teachers who succumbed to the pandemic. He conceded the drop in the Province’s matric results and suggested that schools utilise online platform to improve excellence. “The results sent us back to the drawing board to plan for the desired outcomes,” he added.
Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, congratulated the matriculants, including the top ten achievers, to pass despite the odds. “Covid-19 disrupted the year for learners. Our schooling system had to adapt to this new normal. I must applaud Minister of Education Angie Motshekga for making such a brave decision to reopen schools, a move I was skeptical of,” remarked Saul.
The 66% is a decline of 10.4% compared to the class of 2019.
“The class of 2021 has an enormous task ahead, but I believe we can do better,” alluded Saul.
According to an analysis of the National Senior Certificate results, the Northern Cape registered 12 021 full-time candidates and 11 608 completed the 2020 National Senior Certificate Examination.
At least 7 665 candidates passed, a significant decline compared to the 2019 class. However, the number of distinctions increased to 268, while Bachelor’s entry-level rose to 527. Only four schools in the Province obtained a 100% pass rate.
Frances Baard obtained (65.0%) other districts performed as follows, Namakwa (78.6), ZF Mgcawu (71.3%), Pixley ka Seme (67.3%), and John Taolo Gaetsewe at 60%.
Hopetown High school won the Top Academic School award. Upington High school scooped the Excellence in Mathematics, while Diamantveld High took the Excellence in Physical Science category. The top three learners in the province are Hannah Lawani third place, Alista Da Silva second place while, the best leaner went to Gabbi Christians from Kimberley Girls High.
Mogodi Motlanke, from Thabane High school, says she is proud of herself for making it this far, “It was a very difficult year but I am happy that I made it and I plan on studying further”.
Deputy Principal at Thabane High school, Mr Mpolokeng voiced his gratitude, “Our learners did exceptionally well under the circumstances, especially when you look at the quality of the passes we obtained”.
Refilwe Rekits, from Tetlanyo High school, is excited about the future and plans to study further. Dineo Sekamereng from Floors No.2 could not contain her excitement, “I am so happy, this was unexpected. I am going to enjoy life.” Tisetso Dikgetsi plans to pursue a career in teaching.
Thamsanqa Reed, the School Principal at Floors No.2 was elated. “This is a huge improvement compared to the previous year. We obtained a pass rate of 72 percent and we plan to double it”.
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