For the first time in the country’s history, over 80% of matrics who sat for their exams have passed.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced last night in Midrand, Gauteng, that the 2019 matric pass rate was 81.3% up from 78.2% in 2018.
The pass rate marked a remarkable improvement from 60.6% in 2009 when Motshekga took up the role in the ministry.
The minister could not hide her excitement over crossing the 80% mark saying she could now hand over the reins to someone else.
“It’s very humbling, it’s the first in the history of the country. It’s going to be a tall order, that’s why I say I’m ready to (leave).”
In addition, no province performed below 70%.
A total of 788,383 full-time and part-time candidates wrote the National Senior Certificate exams, with the Free State being the top performing province with a pass rate of 88.4%.
This was followed by the North West with a pass rate of 86.8%, leaving the Western Cape lagging behind in third place with a pass rate of just 82.3%.
Limpopo limped in last with a pass rate of 73.2%.
The Independent Examination Board (IEB) which monitors private schools, announced its class of 2019 achieved a pass rate of 98.82%.
Western Cape Education Department MEC Debbie Schafer says she is proud of her province’s achievement.
“In general, I am very pleased with the performance of the Western Cape, especially given the difficulties that we are facing as a result of inadequate funding and safety concerns.
“I would like to congratulate all our learners, teachers and administrative staff, who have put in an immense effort.”
FIRST CLASS: Country's top 30 matrics at announcement in Midrand. Picture: Karen Sandison/ANA.
She said the highlights for her department are the fact that the Western Cape has maintained an above 80% pass rate, achieving an increased percentage pass rate from 81.5% in 2018 to 82.3% in 2019.
“I am also delighted that the Western Cape achieved a trifecta in terms of the top three candidates in the country overall, and the top two in Mathematics.”
The top three matriculants are Madelein Dippenaar from Paarl Gimnasium High School, Gary Allen from Rondebosch Boys High School, with Anuoluwa Makinde from Milnerton High School in third place.
The country’s two top math students are Timothy Murphy from Rondebosch Boys High School, followed by Ivan Badenhorst from Outeniqua High School.
The number and percentage of Bachelor passes has also increased - 21 981 candidates achieved a Bachelor pass, equalling 43.6% of candidates, compared to 42.3% last year.
The province also achieved the highest percentage of distinctions in the country.
Meanwhile, Eskom announced it will implement Stage 2 load shedding from 1am until 6am this morning in order to accommodate the release of the matric results at schools later today.