Government has extended its congratulations to the Matric Class of 2024 for their outstanding performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
With a pass rate of 87.3% - the matriculants have exceeded the 82.9% achieved in 2023, marking an impressive improvement of 4.4%.
The class of 2024 has worked hard and with determination, reflecting a collective effort from learners, teachers, parents, guardians and caregivers.
“The 2024 results mark a significant milestone in the history of South Africa’s education system, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of democracy. In 1994, many learners faced various odds, with limited access to quality resources, school infrastructure, teaching and appropriate education curriculum.
“Today, the Class of 2024 benefits from an education system that is more inclusive, better resourced, has access to warm meals, no fee schools and a world renown curriculum.
“The journey has not been without its trials; among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schooling globally, causing significant learning losses and posing unprecedented challenges to learners, educators and families. Yet, the Class of 2024 has emerged stronger, proving that perseverance and collective effort can overcome adversity,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Tuesday.
It said that government has worked hard to create an enabling learning environment which includes, amongst others, the eradication of mud schools, pit latrine toilets and provision of good quality classrooms.
The Department of Basic Education has set a deadline of 31 March 2025 to eradicate all remaining identified pit latrine toilets in schools across the country.
“Significant progress has been made in building new schools, refurbishing existing ones, and ensuring that learners have access to a safe and dignified learning environment. In addressing the challenges relating to safety and security of both the learners and the teachers, government is working on plans to combat and reduce crime in the country.
“As the country celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2024, let us also honour the legacy of transformation in the education sector over the past 30 years. Access to education has expanded significantly, and the pass rate for Matric examinations has steadily improved, reflecting the progress made in teaching, learning and resource allocation.
“The class of 2024 is encouraged to carry forward the values of resilience, dedication and excellence as they embark on the next chapter of their lives,” the GCIS said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the matric Class of 2024 for their exceptional achievements, highlighting their dedication and the significant strides made in South Africa's basic education sector.
President Ramaphosa said the achievements of the Class of 2024 are a proud contribution to and evidence of the nation’s progress during 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy.
“These results reinforce our resolute development of our nation’s most valuable resource - our young people. They also provide proof that we are undoing apartheid’s planned legacy of intergenerational indignity, disadvantage and poverty for the majority of South Africans.
“These results demonstrate the agency, resilience and pride of the youth of our nation in creating a better future for themselves and for all of us,” he said following the announcement of the results on Monday. -SAnews.gov.za
