By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West MEC, Wendy Matsemela defended the decline in the matric results and said that was caused by various factors. North West Class of 2020 has obtained 76.2% in comparison to 86.8% reached in 2019.
Matsemela announced the results on Tuesday in Potchefstroom. She said this was lesser than what they have planned for.
“Despite the challenges, the Class of 2020 has encountered, which includes among others less teaching time due to lockdown after the first term, more self-study and less contact, group discussions, emotional stress due to fear of being infected, or infecting family members due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am standing here today to announce that the North West Class of 2020 obtained a pass rate of 76.2%, which is a drop of 10.6% from 86.8% of 2019. The percentage drop is consistent with their performance in the preparatory examinations. It must be borne in mind that our target for 2020 matric pass rate in the Annual Performance Plan was 80%,” she said.
Matsemela further said she is excited to announce that out of 433 schools that presented Grade 12 in 2020, 288 schools performed at 70% and beyond.
“In 2020, there was quality performance as we see that the number of candidates who achieved Bachelor passes is 11 820, which is more than the previous 2019. The number of passes with a Diploma of 9 983 is higher than 8 677 achieved in 2019, the Higher Certificates is 6 279 candidates passing which is an improvement from 4 628 achieved last year.
“A total of 7 626 distinctions were achieved in various subjects including Life Orientation. We are extremely proud of the high level of commitment of Team Education who, amidst the turmoil, demonstrated extraordinarily professionalism and dedication during the time of the pandemic of COVID 19,” said Matsemela.
She said the year 2020 has been a tough year for these learners who wrote the examinations. COVID pandemic made schools close, the learners did not write the June examinations which are used to gauge the performance and decide on programme of intervention,” she said.
Matsemela added that vacation camps that were attended by many learners annually could not take place due to social distancing issues. She further said the 2020 class was a comparatively strong group when compared to the 2019 cohort.
“Bojanala District retained its position one with 81,17%, Dr Kenneth Kaunda obtained position 2 with 79,61%, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati is seated on position 3 with 71.21% and Ngaka Modiri Molema with 69,11 %.
“A lot of work still to be done in the districts to improve the results above 80% mark,” said Matsemela.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “In the face of great difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our learners have been resilient; they have done themselves, their families, and their country proud.
“This support our young people received made all the difference, making it possible for the crucial final year of schooling to be salvaged. We also want to applaud the 75.8% pass rate among female matriculants, as this lays an important foundation for the empowerment of young women in the country.
Ramaphosa added that the matriculants who sat for the exam in 2020 were inheritors of the mantle of the brave generation of 1976.
The Guardian 