Picture: The Executive Council with top achievers/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the Matric Class of 2023 has shown some improvements. This comes after the province obtained 81.6 % and retained its fourth position in 2021.
Maape said these results represent an increase of 1.8 % from 2022, where the province claimed a fifth position in national matriculants results outcomes. He said the number of candidates who passed with Bachelors has increased to 15 059 (36,36%) compared to 14 733 (33.62%) of the Class of 2022.
“Moreover, Diploma passes have also improved by 11 646 (28,12%), which is higher than 10 794 (26,3%) of 2022. The results mirror the hard work undertaken by the Executive Council in making education one of its apex priorities.
“The outcome of these results gives credence to the fortitude displayed by the government and the department in making sure that education remains one of our apex priorities as a province. Through the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme -Thuntsha Lerole, we made a commitment that teaching and learning will not be left behind as we roll-out this plan,” he said.
Maape further said their efforts were not in vain. He added that the 2023 cohort also scored a total of 7 067 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, as compared to 6 478 in the previous year.
“This achievement reflects the efforts and commitments of ordinary men and women who have taken it up themselves to demonstrate to the country that we are a province of skilled and ethical personnel.
“The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality reclaimed its top position as the best performing district with 84,24%. It is followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District at 83,51%, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts are sitting at position three and four with 78,79% and 77,16% respectively,” said Maape.
He said all these districts have improved their pass rate as compared to the previous year. Maape said credit must also go to the teachers, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, leaders of faith-based organisations, the private sector and all social partners, who have traversed this journey with them.
“We have implored the private sector to collaborate with the Office of the Premier to expand the reach of the Victor Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme. The Bursary Scheme is currently funding 145 students, who are enrolled at various institutions of higher learning to the tune of R60 million.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to applaud the stewardship of North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and her entire departmental collective for a stellar performance in the 2023 matric results outcomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe said: “We applaud the 2.8% improvement of matric results from 80.1 % to 82.9 and in particular commended the performance of historically marginalised and under-resourced rural provinces.
“On behalf of the ANC caucus, we congratulate Motsumi for her energy as well as leadership effort that contributed to the increase of 1.8 % from 2022 to 81.6% last year, which dispels the myth that young people cannot lead successfully.”
Sebegoe said their gratitude also goes to the acting Head of Department, Deputy Director General, Dr Shadrack Mvula as well as the collective of departmental officials, principals and committed educators, most of whom made great sacrifices and went the extra mile, parents for their unwavering support and most importantly, the matric class of 2023 that worked hard and remained focused even under trying circumstances.
The Guardian 