Cape Town

Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, was beaming this morning as she congratulated learners who have produced excellent results in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

“I stand here with an immense sense of pride as we host our best learners. And for the year, we presented over 800 000 learners and more than 750 000 were full time learners and to be here, I’m sure it’s unbelievable. Indeed, you’re ahead of the pack in so many ways,” she told the country’s cream of the crop on Thursday. 

Motshekga and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, hosted a breakfast for the 2023 matric top achievers at the MTN Innovation Centre in Randburg, Johannesburg. 

“I want to congratulate you and say thank you for making us very proud. Is it not so parents? You have made us really proud. For that, we’re really grateful to our children,” Motshekga added.

She told the boffins that their achievement was not a small feat and described their success as an honour that they would carry for the rest of their lives. 

“South Africa stands with a sense of pride to commemorate the exceptional achievement of the 2023 top matric learners. Not matric learners, but top matric learners,” Motshekga stressed.

She told the attendees that the moment was not only a celebration of academic excellence but a testament to the resilience and determination of the youngsters. 

“The class of 2023 was no ordinary class and indeed it has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance. In a period marked by post-pandemic challenges, we [weathered the storm].

“And those in the public system came back to school in September and those in the public sector, we started rotating you… I always tell people that we don’t set an exam the year of the exam. Whether the pandemic hits, the [question] paper is set three years in [advance]. So, you have to sail through.”

One of the celebrated achievers, Kamohelo Mosikili, 18, from Selelekela Senior Secondary School in Bloemfontein said he dedicated his time to learning for his exams and that there was no time for games.

He told a journalist that he was planning to study computer science at the University of Cape Town as he dreams of becoming a software engineer. 

Some of the attendees were proud parents who could not stop smiling. 

“We are extremely thankful to have our son as a top achiever. It is only through hard work that he was able to make it this far,” said Jean and Lientjie Goodey, the parents of one of the top achievers who were honoured. 

The Minister will again join the top achievers on stage this evening where she will deliver the ministerial announcement on the results at the Mosaïek Church, in Randburg, Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, the matric results for the NSC exams are expected to be released on Friday, 19 January.

On Monday, the national education quality assurance body, Umalusi, approved the release of the NSC exams. 

This was announced by Umalusi Council Chairperson Prof Yunus Ballim.

“As we look ahead, let us continue to strive for an education system that enables an inclusive society where every child can achieve their full potential regardless of their background,” Motshekga added. – SAnews.gov.za