Soshanguve East pupils aim for 100% matric pass

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube joined matric pupils at the Soshanguve East Secondary School, north of Tshwane, on the first morning of the examinations.

Surprise Mathebula told Jacaranda FM News that she is confident that the support from her mother and school educators will help her achieve her goal.

“All I am looking forward to is making my mother proud of me and coming back with those distinctions.”

Monday’s exam took place amid tight security, with SAPS and metro police officers keeping guard, and teachers using handheld metal detectors to scan each pupil entering the exam centre.

Gwarube pleaded with communities across the country to ensure exams run smoothly.

READ MORE: National, provincial police to help safeguard matric exams

“We quickly looked and inspected the examination venue and vacated, because one of the most critical things is to ensure minimal disruptions to these learners,” the minister said.

“They are writing an important exam, and we are asking and pleading with our communities to please allow our learners with minimal disruptions. We are asking our local leaders to please give schools time and space for these learners to be able to do what they can do.”

School principal Mmabatho Riba said they were aiming for a 100% pass for their 257 pupils in Grade 12.

The school previously attained an 87.9% pass rate.

“We have different programs to ensure that all learners pass according to their potential. Some will pass with bachelors, some with diplomas, and others with higher certificates; but for this year Soshanguve East is saying ‘#100%’.”

Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane promised improved matric results from the province, a commitment the minister described as music to her ears.

“Our learners are ready. They are prepared, excited, enthusiastic, and they know what is going to happen next in their lives. We’re confident of improved results as the province,” Chiloane said.

In 2023,  Gauteng achieved a 85.4% pass rate. 

According to the Gauteng government website, the Class of 2022 achieved the highest number of Bachelor Passes in the country and the highest number in the province since 1996.

"Of the 113 006 candidates who passed their matric, 58 119 (43.4%) achieved a Bachelor's Pass."

TOP ACHIEVER AIMS HIGH

Tlaisane Khoza has been celebrated as the school’s Grade 12 top achiever, with an average of above 80% for all her subjects.

“My goal was to always get above 80% on my average, and I have been able to maintain that. Right now, my ultimate goal is 90%, and I hope I will be able to reach it,” said an anxious Khoza.

Khoza and her peers, Mathebula and Kamogelo Makosa, shared their advice with fellow matriculants, saying they should go into the exams confidently.

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