Pretoria - Matriculants in Pretoria who wrote the National Senior Certificate exams last year are upbeat about their results.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Wednesday announced a 70.2% pass rate, reflecting an improvement of 2.4% from 2010's pass rate. Gauteng achieved the second best pass rate, with 81.1%, up from 78.6% in 2010.
This morning, matrics were able to visit their schools to collect their statement of results. Results were also published in local newspapers.
Speaking to BuaNews, Mavis Kgoale from Tipfuxeni Secondary School in Hammanskraal said discipline and hard work had been key to her success.
"Workload and pressure have always driven me to perform well," said the 17-year-old, who will be studying civil engineering at the University of Pretoria.
Mavis is the school's top achiever with four distinctions in maths, life science, physical science and life orientation.
Nineteen-year-old Katlego Matlala from the same school said throughout the year, he had prioritised his studies. "School comes first, then leisure follows."
He said although the national pass rate was good, he found it unsatisfactory because there had only been a slight improvement. "There is room for improvement for the class of 2012."
Katlego hopes to pursue a Diploma in Business Management at Jeppe College. "I'd like to do anything that relates to business because my passion lies in it."
Dansa International College learner, Menzi Nhleko, was thrilled when he visited his school in Pretoria Central this morning and discovered he had achieved a Bachelor degree pass with a distinction in accounting.
The 19-year-old, who likes to play chess because he likes the strategic thinking required for the game, said his role model was American businessman Warren Buffett. "He is self-made and that's what inspires me the most."
Menzi said while the matric exams had been stressful, "it all worked out in the end". He believes the secret to success is time management.
He will be studying BCom Finance at the University of Pretoria. "I love working with numbers and being in control - that's why I chose this course as it has accounting." Having achieved a distinction in the subject, there is no doubt he will do well.
Thembi Baloyi, 20, from Bokamoso High School in Pretoria said she thought the class of 2011 had done well. "We made good preparations, without any disruptions." She plans to study an LLB.
SA College learner Promise Ndlovu studied commercial subjects, but substituted accounting with tourism. She was pleased to find out she had passed all her subjects on Thursday, although she had hoped for a Bachelor degree pass.
She said the 2011 matric exams were difficult, but she tried her best. She congratulated her classmates, saying the class of 2011 had been very focused and determined.
Pearl Ntuli from Berea Park Independent High School said of her results: "There are no miracles to success - hard work and perseverance pay."
The 19-year-old said she wanted to pursue a National Diploma in Tourism at the University of Johannesburg because she liked travelling and meeting people.
Also from Berea Park Independent High School, Mikha Ngwenya, said he had been inspired by his maths teacher last year to reach for the stars. He said he had a desire for success and that is what had driven him to achieve more.
He said the class of 2011 was "the best".
"We have conquered all expectations,"
