As with the rest of the country, matriculants from the West Coast are basking in the afterglow of positive National Senior Certificate results, ones they had so eagerly awaited the entire festive season.
The day finally arrived on Friday 19 January as Grade 12 learners made their way to their various schools to get their results.
Although the West Coast matric class of 2023 obtained a 77,69% pass rate, a 1,2% decrease from the previous year, learners were still positive about the future.
Snovuyo Nongoloza, a Grade 12 learner from Diazville High School, did exceptionally well, obtaining five distinctions. Before receiving her results she said she had no stress whatsoever. “Well, that was just short-lived, because reality hit with a bang before Friday 19 January, the day the results were released. I had so much self-doubt and constantly thought of things I could’ve accomplished excellently in the exams.”
All this disappeared on receiving her results. “I prayed and asked for five distinctions, and it transpired. I acknowledged I was now living an answered prayer, and my first step towards excellence begins here.”
Paul Haricombe, principal of Diazville High School, said despite difficult and challenging circumstances learners of the school could still perform very well. “It engenders hope in learners of other grades, that they must not allow circumstances to hold them back.”
Another school that did well, increasing its pass rate from 66,8% to 74,4%, was Louwville High School. Amid challenges, Grade 12 learners proved that giving their all would reflect in the results. According to Emile Petrus, principal of Louwville High, the achievement means so much to the school, “especially to the morale of the community we serve. This result implies we are achieving our vision, which is ‘to cultivate productive citizens’.”
He also congratulated the class of 2024 for making it to Grade 12. With the support of parents and guardians, and all other stakeholders, but most of all the dedication of the class of 2024, Petrus believes they can reach their goal of an 80% pass rate.
Velddrif High School also saw a boost to its matric results. Principal Louise van Rensburg said it was very proud of its matriculants. The pass rate increased by 7,3% and five subjects have a 100% pass rate.
Over the years Hopefield High School has kept a good record, and principal Wehan Fourie said there were three components contributing to it – “parent involvement, learners being positive and an inspiration to one another and lastly, the wonderful team I have.”
One matriculant, Jano Reynolds, said he worked very hard throughout the year and set goals for himself, which became a reality with his overall 90% pass rate.
Carina van Wyk, who matriculated from Vredenburg High, obtained an 86,7% average, the only A-candidate from her school. She said academics had always been important to her, and despite a very busy matric year she tried her best. “It had always been a dream of mine to be my school’s top performer in matric, and I am very grateful I was able to achieve that.”
This year sees Carina begin her studies towards a chemical engineering degree at Stellenbosch University. “I look forward to the new chapter in my life and feel privileged at being able to study further. I would also like to wish all my fellow matrics of 2023 good luck on the road ahead.”
David Maynier, Minister of Eduction for the Western Cape, also congratulated the class of 2023 on their results.
For candidates who did not achieve desired results there were options. Maynier said he would encourage all learners who did not pass their exams not to give up and continue doing whatever they can to complete Grade 12.
“We encourage all learners who did not achieve their desired marks to apply for a re-mark or re-check if they did not feel their results reflected their performance, or to write the exams in June. More information on these options is available on the Western Cape Education Department website.”
Maynier added there were measures in place to receive counselling for anyone who is disappointed with their results, either by approaching their school, which will put learners in touch with the relevant people in the district offices, or by contacting the Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47.
