President Cyril Ramaphosa
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a stirring celebration of three decades of democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded the academic triumphs of the 2023 matriculating class as proof of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to improve educational accessibility and equality. As the nation reflects on 30 years since the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of democracy, the President praised the accomplishments of these young individuals as emblematic of the country’s progress.
In his recent weekly address, President Ramaphosa specifically highlighted the historic achievements of the class of 2023, who achieved an unprecedented 82.9% pass rate on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. This figure surpasses any results since the inception of NSC in 2008 and continues an upwards trajectory from a 78% pass rate a decade ago to 80% in 2022.
The President expressed his pride in the matriculants who have overcome diverse challenges and adversities, including those with disabilities, care grant recipients, and learners from impoverished households. Notably, among last year’s top 110 performing students, 62 were supported by social grants, and social grant recipients garnered over 160,000 distinctions—a testament to the strength and resilience of these students.
Learners from no-fee schools, which cater to less affluent communities, earned over 65% of the total Bachelor passes, with the rural provinces of Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo contributing an impressive 59% of distinctions.
President Ramaphosa took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of providing fair access to education as a means to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and rectify systemic inequalities. He pointed to Early Childhood Development, social grants, nationwide school nutrition programs, and no-fee schools as some of the critical social support mechanisms aiding vulnerable learners.
Investments in improving school infrastructure and support materials, along with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), have further supported the educational journey of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The president’s message extended beyond celebration, calling on society and the private sector to recognize and support the young graduates. He urged businesses to create more jobs for young people, leverage the Employee Tax Incentive to hire young job-seekers, offer training and mentorship opportunities, and participate in government partnerships like the Youth Employment Service initiative.
The success of these students is not just an academic milestone but a beacon of hope for those still enduring poverty. President Ramaphosa’s call to action emphasizes the shared responsibility in continuing the country’s journey towards equitable education, employment opportunities, and the collective fulfillment of the South African populace’s potential.
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