Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has hailed the 70.2% matric pass rate, saying it is a step in the right direction.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the pass rate, which is an improvement from last year's 67.8%, in Pretoria earlier this evening.
In a statement, the President said he was pleased by a steady rise in the pass rate in the National Curriculum in the past four years.
Zuma congratulated all the matriculants who sat for the 2011 National Senior Certificate examinations and gave special acknowledgment to those who demonstrated outstanding performance in various subjects.
"We would also like to draw special attention to those matriculants who, even though faced with adverse learning conditions performed exceptionally well.
"You have demonstrated not only to your peers but to the rest of the country that your circumstances do not determine what you can and cannot do. We wish you well in your future plans," said Zuma.
He added that those who did not pass should not feel despondent or discouraged and should rather use the setback as an opportunity to reflect and improve.
The President further congratulated the Department of Basic Education for the improvement in the results, and commended parents and teachers who committed huge efforts towards the success of the 2011 class.
