Johannesburg - Alexander Gerhard Johannes is Gauteng's top learner. The shy pupil from Pretoria Boys High bagged nine distinctions and had a total point score of 1 720.
Gerhard said his parents and teachers contributed to his success. He is planning a gap year in Germany, working at a guest house. Next year, he is planning on studying chemical engineering.
Another top achiever was Primrose Kalua from Shoshanguve High School, who could not contain her excitement. She got six distinctions, including a total in both maths and physical science.
The bubbly 18-year-old told BuaNews that she owes her success to the hard work that she put in her studies. "I hold the keys to my future ... so I had no choice but to make the best of it."
Another high achiever was Pieter Daniel Grobler from Protea High School, which caters for learners with special education needs. He bagged three distinctions.
Pieter said he never allowed his disability to get him down. "In fact, it is what keeps me going. One must not allow disabilities to hamper one's dreams," said the ecstatic learner.
These learners and others were honoured on Thursday by the Gauteng Education Department during the national release of matric exam results.
A total of 20 pupils in Gauteng obtained 100 percent in maths and 13 achieved full marks in physical science.
MEC for Education, Barbra Creecy, congratulated the learners, who will also get bursaries to study at any university of their choice.
"We remain committed to ensuring that they are able to access further and higher education as required to grow the economy of Gauteng and the country," said Creecy.
For the first time ever, Gauteng is the top performing province with the highest matric pass rate in the country. The pass rate in the province was 78.6 percent for 2010, up from 71.6 percent in 2009.
"This means that we are only 1.4 percent short of our 2014 target of an 80 percent pass rate," the MEC said.
Creecy attributed the success of the province to the hard work that learners and teachers put in. The pass rate in the province was 78.6 percent for 2010, up from 71.6 percent in 2009.
"This achievement is a direct result of [the learners'] own dedication and hard work. They have shown that they understand the importance of the examinations as an important gateway to the world of adulthood, work, as well as further and higher education," said Creecy.
"During 2010, we implemented our revised maths, science and technology strategy ...These impressive results indicate that this strategy is indeed beginning to bear fruit."
The top learners had only one bit of advice for the Class of 2011 - relax and take it easy.
"That is how I did it. I just relaxed and did what I had to do - it's simple," said Primrose.
In many parts of the province, the mood was upbeat as learners, with smiles, hugs and pats on the backs, congratulated one another on their achievements.
