Halala, class of 2023, halala!
Our matriculants have achieved the highest pass rate since the advent of democracy in SA at 82.9%, up from 80.1% in 2022.
Of course, we are particularly proud of our Eastern Cape matriculants, who obtained an 81.4% pass rate.
The province has traditionally finished bottom of the class but moved up to sixth place in 2023, just behind the Western Cape, which achieved a pass rate of 81.5%. North West, meanwhile, finished in fourth place (86.6%).
Education expert professor Susan van Rensburg said if the Eastern Cape’s pupils continued on this trajectory, the province had a bright future.
“The Eastern Cape has shown promising improvements and is an indication of what is done in this province to raise the future human capital that will drive the economy to help attain the 2030 UN goals of sustainability in education.”
And though we are all still in celebratory mode, we need to start shifting focus to the future.
The transition from high school to the next phase of life is a pivotal moment that shapes the trajectory of an individual’s future.
So the coming days, weeks and months will be crucial, both for those who passed and those who did not.
For many school leavers, the journey does not end with matric; they often face decisions regarding further education.
Many will have decided by now which degrees to pursue at tertiary institutions and we wish them well.
For those still deciding, remember: we need plumbers, electricians, hair stylists and carpenters as much as we do doctors, accountants, teachers and lawyers.
To those who did not make it and are now perhaps despondent, never lose hope: there are options available to you, including rewrites.
But whoever they are and wherever they may be, the youngsters from the class of 2023 will need our continued support, be it in navigating career choices, furthering their education or developing life skills.
Providing mental health and wellbeing counselling to reduce stress and anxiety associated with this significant life transition will also be crucial.
Nurturing tomorrow’s leaders requires a commitment to providing the support and guidance necessary for school leavers to thrive as they take this important next step.
HeraldLIVE