Western Cape #ClassOf2023 overcomes challenges to deliver great results

The Western Cape #ClassOf2023 has increased the matric pass rate again to 81.54%, despite facing an exceptionally challenging year, and we now have over 50 000 successful candidates!

Every single one our 50 520 candidates who passed met the requirements to access higher education, with 26 182 candidates (42.2%) qualifying with a bachelors pass to attend university, our highest number of bachelors passes ever!

Our Western Cape candidates achieved the top Mathematics pass rate at 75.4%, and the top Physical Sciences pass rate at 82.2%. These are critical subjects for the national and provincial economy, so we are pleased to see improvements in both compared to 2022.

We also have the second highest distinctions rate, with 24 982 subject distinctions being awarded to candidates in the Western Cape!

This is an incredible achievement considering the events of 2023, including a devastating minibus taxi strike and an illegal blockade of learner transport in Khayelitsha, two massive floods, and ongoing crippling loadshedding.

What is even more impressive is that the retention rate from Grade 10 to 12 has also increased to 69.3%. Getting both the pass rate and the retention rate to move in a positive direction is a difficult task, and we are pleased that more of the Grade 10 class from two years’ prior are writing and succeeding in their final matric exams.

In addition, six of our outstanding candidates were recognised by the national minister during the live announcement, including the top candidates in the country and the top candidate with special needs!

Top candidates in the entire country:

Public schools: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch

Independent schools: Ethan Myers – Herzlia High School, Vredehoek

Top candidate in Quintile 5:

1^st place: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch

2^nd place: Jared Ryan Benn – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg

Top candidate in Mathematics:

1^st place: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch

Top candidate in Physical Science:

1^st place: Jared Ryan Benn – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg

Top candidate in South African Sign Language:

2^nd place: Amahle Jemane – De La Bat School, Worcester

Top candidate Special Needs Education:

1^st place: Samkelo Gumada – Athlone School for the Blind, Bellville

3^rd place: Nizibone Victor Mapolisa – Athlone School for the Blind, Bellville

We are especially pleased that our learners with special needs are being recognised for their incredible achievement, as improving access to quality education for learners with special needs is a key priority for our government.

Congratulations to our #ClassOf2023 for their outstanding results, and for the many hours they dedicated to investing in their own future during their matric year. It has paid off, and we are so very proud of them.

Our matric parents rallied around to support our candidates this year, and they share in this achievement!

We also recognise the exceptional efforts of our matric teachers, as they have faced a challenging year standing alongside their learners. Our teachers in the Western Cape are the best of the best, and we wish them all the best in the year ahead.

To the #ClassOf2024:

You have very big shoes to fill. We believe that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, and we challenge you to follow the example of the 2023 candidates and get stuck in on the hard work from day one! We will support you every step of the way as we strive to give every learner a better future in the Western Cape.

Candidates can collect their results from their schools from 11h00 tomorrow, 19 January 2023. They will also be available on the WCED website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/