The Northern Cape matriculants of 2022 obtained an overall pass rate of 74,2%, which is an improvement of 2,8% from 2021.
This is still not close to the 80,1% national average pass level, and is pushing the province to an eighth place of the nine provinces.
However, the premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, said at a media conference on Friday (20/01), that he is “very happy”.
There are many positive indications and much to celebrate, he says, pointing out that the ZF Mgcawu District achieved a pass rate of 83,8%, the Namakwa District 80%, and the Pixley Ka Seme District 78,3%.
Saul, as well as the provincial MEC of Education, Zolile Monakali, and the head of the department, Moira Marais, emphasised that the class of 2022 was in Gr. 10 – a very important school year to achieve success in Gr. 12 – when the Covid-19 pandemic caused havoc in the schooling system.
Despite this and challenges such as a tight budget and shortage of resources, the class of 2022 demonstrated the highest level of resilience and discipline, Saul says.
Monakali says the province obtained a gradual improvement over the past three years, with performance at national average pass level the target. But that level is also improving.
“Those who have stumbled at the last barrier, get up and get the pass mark in May or June,” Saul says, who further remarked that schooling is a system that needs parents who are actively involved.
“Schools that perform good have involved parents,” he says, emphasising that a school is not a dumping place for children.
He also congratulated parents who stand behind their children.
Marais comments that focus for achievement must also be instilled in lower grades, and not only in the final school year.
At an award ceremony, also on Friday, top learners and schools were announced, receiving prizes from various sponsors.
Top achievers announced
The Hopetown High School was announced as the Northern Cape’s top school for 2022, as well as the top achiever in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Furthermore, Hopetown maintained a 100% pass rate over five consecutive years.
Douglas High School is second on the list of top public schools, with Kimberley Girls’ High School third.
The top school in each of the five districts are Kimberley Girls’ High School (Frances Baard); Kalahari High School (John Taole Gaetsewe); Calvinia High School (Namakwa); Hopetown High School (Pixley Ka Seme) and Upington High School (ZF Mgcawu).
In total, nine Northern Cape schools achieved a 100% pass rate. These schools are Vaalharts, Warrenton, Degania (Hartswater), Futurum Academy (Vaalharts), Calvinia, Douglas, Hopetown, Prieska and the Noupoort Christian Education College.
Richmond High School was announced as the most improved school, achieving an improvement of 33,7% on its pass rate.
