Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has commended the 2024 matric top achievers for their resilience and determination.
Gwarube, together with mobile network provider, MTN, hosted a Ministerial Breakfast in honour of 39 matric top achievers on Monday.
Held in Randburg, Johannesburg, the event comes ahead of the official announcement of the 2024 matric results later on Monday .
Congratulating the country’s top achievers, Gwarube said the learners demonstrated that challenges are not roadblocks, but stepping stones to greatness.
Despite punishing poverty levels, with some learners coming from child-headed households, Gwarube said the learners are thriving and putting their future first.
“Many of you do not come from affluent households… Thank you for enduring the hard times. It has been worth it.
“Soon, you will take on the pen and write your beautiful story. The next chapter of South Africa’s story will be exciting because of your work ethic and hard work. Do not view it as a daunting task… the future is yours to shape!” Gwarube told learners.
The Minister also noted that the official announcement of the 2024 matric results will see two extraordinary learners being honoured with a special ministerial award for overcoming immense adversity to achieve excellent results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
“They’ve showed us that even some of the things that could break many of us, they’ve used it to fuel themselves so that they can strive for better and change their lives,” the Minister said.
She said the department has this year adopted the South African national flower, the protea, as the theme for the 2024 matric result. The protea is a symbol of enduring strength.
“The protea thrives in adversity, with its woody seeds, corns and its roots that are designed to survive even the worst of wildfires. In fact, the seeds of the protea, once ashes have been left behind, nourish the soil, making sure that the flower grows and becomes better than before,” explained Gwarube.
READ | Determination pays off for top achievers
MTN Chief Risk Officer Bradley Swanepoel extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024.
The matric results will be announced at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za
