Matric pupils celebrate results

Erin Carelse|Published 1 year ago

Simon’s Town School pupils delighted with their matric results, from left are, Lerato Monatsi, Asafika Hayinje, Lihle Mjubajuba and Linkhona Tata.

There was a wave of excitement in the far south last week as thousands of matric pupils received their much anticipated matric results.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga released the results on Thursday, January 18, and placed the Western Cape fifth in the country with 81.5%, behind the Free State with 89%, KwaZulu-Natal with 86.4%, Gauteng with 85.4% and the North West with 81.6%.

In the far south, Fish Hoek High School’s pass rate increased by 1.5%, from 98.0% in 2022 to 99.5.% in 2023, and Ocean View High School went up by 3.7% from 50.6% to 54.3%.

Muizenberg High School dropped by 10.8%, from 96.2% to 85.4%; Simon’s Town School dropped by 1.7%, from 91.5% to 89.8%; and Masiphumelele High School dropped by 4.6% from 67.4% to 62.8%.

Education MEC David Maynier praised the class of 2023, which has increased the provincial pass rate from last year by 0.1 percentage points to 81.5%, with 50 520 candidates passing their exams.

“This is an incredible achievement considering the events of 2023, including a devastating minibus taxi strike and an illegal blockade of learner transport in Khayelitsha, two massive floods, and ongoing crippling load shedding,” he said.

Pupils at Fish Hoek High School were delighted with their results.

Principal Steve Joubert said he was incredibly proud of their pass rate.

“Congratulations to each matriculant who has successfully navigated the challenges and triumphs of their academic endeavours. As you embark on the next chapter of your life, whether it be further studies, entering the workforce, or pursuing your passions, carry the lessons learned at Fish Hoek High School with you. Embrace the future with confidence, resilience, and a positive spirit,” he said.

Muizenberg High School's acting principal, Paul Cupido, said they had been hoping for a better pass rate than 85.4%.

“Though our thoughts are with those who did not succeed this round, we believe there is always a second chance. The school will provide as much support as needed.”

Masiphumelele High School acting principal Skahle Nhlabathi said she was very happy with their results.

“We are happy because we are above 60%, which is what we were striving for. I want to commend the class of 2023. They did very well in spite of the challenges that we were having. Our teachers also played a very important role. Hopefully we keep moving up.”

Andrew Sanders, acting principal at Ocean View High School, said he was disappointed with their results.

“It's not what we expected. Our target was 70%. Our pupils don't prepare well for exams; they don't take it seriously.

“We struggle getting them to class. It seems the most important thing to them is getting to Grade 12 so that they can wear a matric jacket and attend the matric dance.”

Mr Sanders said that during the final exam he had had to seek out pupils and remind them that they were scheduled to write the exam that morning.

"It's disheartening. Our teachers are putting in a lot of effort and working tirelessly. Despite the challenges, we try to stay positive and hopeful that we can achieve the high success rates we had in the past, reaching 80% and 90%."

Simon’s Town School’s acting principal, Lucresia Harrison, said they were thrilled with the 89.8% pass rate, considering the challenges posed by Covid-19 over the past three years.

“Grade 12 results come at the end of a long educational journey, and tribute must be paid to all who have instilled a love for learning in the pupils.

“The staff and pupils worked hard to achieve this success. These results are reflective of the partnership between the school, the parents, and the pupils.”

Of the 118 pupils at the school, 65 attained a Bachelor's pass and achieved 78 subject distinctions.

Subjects that achieved 100% were English first additional language, hospitality studies, life orientation, maritime economics and nautical sciences.

“A special congratulations to our dux student, Siseko Makhlowana, for achieving nine distinctions with an overall average of 87.2 %. He is also the first student in the history of the maritime programme to achieve 100% for maritime economics,” Ms Harrison said.

Eyakhe Sobetwa proudly shares her daughter Owethu's matric results. Owethu, from Masiphumelele High School, aspires to become a teacher.

Sixolise Konana and Lithemba Ntengu from Masiphumelele High School were relieved the exams were over and that they passed.

Ngamso Mgaqelwana and Liyema Ntaben were happy with their results. Liyema was the top pupil at Masiphumelele High School and also the top achiever in business studies. She hopes to pursue a career in law.

Ocean View High School matriculants Chanté Adonis, left, and Jade Spannenberg were happy with their results.

Masiphumelele High School pupils queuing to get their matric results.

Fish Hoek High School pupil Thaakir Manuel hugs his mother, Sumayah, after the release of the matric results. Thaakir plans to study Islamic studies at Madina Institute SA.

Fish Hoek High School pupil Leighlyn Riley and her mother, Nicole Rahaman.

Fish Hoek High School pupil Dominic Bell, second from left, with his mother, Sherri Bailey-Bell, his father, Vernon Bell, and sister, Jade Bell. He plans to study software engineering after taking a gap year in 2024.

Fish Hoek High School pupils queuing to get their matric results.

Taylor Carelse with her mother, Tamaryn Carelse. Taylor will be pursuing a career as a flight attendant. Her mother said she was very proud of her.

Pupils and parents at Simon’s Town School waiting for the matric results to be released

Simon’s Town School pupil Mivuyo Mivuyo and her mother, Fezi. Mivuyo plans to study psychology at Stellenbosch University.

Simon’s Town School acting principal Lucresia Harrison addressing pupils before the release of the matric results

Dux pupil Siseko Makhlowana is the first pupil in the history of the school’s maritime programme to achieve 100% for maritime economics.

Shaneil Singh, who was deputy head boy at Simon’s Town school, obtained four distinctions and an aggregate of 80.6%.

...