The Premier Dr Zamani Saul with the top three achievers in the province. From left: Khadija Hoosain (third place), Shannon Wong Fatt (second place) and Matthew Holm (first place). Picture: Danie van der Lith
THE Premier Dr Zamani Saul stated that while the pass rate in the province had risen to 71, 4 percent compared to 2020, he was concerned that the Northern Cape was still under the national average of 76, 4 percent.
The Northern Cape scored the second lowest pass rate in the country although it also recorded the highest improvement of 5,4 percent.
Saul stated that while the province had improved on its overall pass rate, more had to be done to bring it on par with the national average, at the matric awards ceremony on Friday.
“Concerted efforts must be made to ensure that this is achieved in 2022 and beyond. This must form part of our turnaround strategy to improve learning outcomes across all grades. The 2021 National Senior Certificate Examination analysis indicates that the actual number of distinctions obtained is 1 923, which is a decline of 1, 3 percent. There was a 1, 9 percent increase in the number of candidates (3 856) who achieved a Bachelor's level pass.”
He added that out of a total of 145 high schools that wrote the 2021 National Senior Certificate Examination, nine schools in the Province obtained a 100 percent pass rate.
“A total of 116 schools achieved a pass rate above 60 percent in comparison to 90 schools in 2020. The analysis also reveals an improvement of 3, 8 percent in Mathematics. Out of the 2,689 candidates who wrote Mathematics, 1,591 (59, 2 percent) passed at 30 percent and 1,052 (39,1 percent) passed at 40 percent.”
He encouraged future matriculants to surpass the 72 distinctions that were obtained in 2021.
“We are capable of doing better. The results also reveal an improvement of 11 percent in Physical Sciences. Out of the 2 086 candidates who wrote Physical Sciences, 1,361 (65, 2 percent) passed at 30 percent and 884 (42, 41 percent) passed at 40 percent. A total number of 59 distinctions have been obtained. We will place more focus and attention on these subjects for 2022 to ensure a further improvement in the performance of these subjects, which will broaden the landscape of possibilities for our learners.”
He indicated that 194 379 scripts were marked by 778 markers, 165 senior markers, 22 deputy chief markers, 81 chief markers and 81 internal moderators.
“The Northern Cape registered 13,056 full time candidates for the 2021 national senior certificate examination. This represents an increase of 1,035 full-time candidates compared to the 12,002 in 2020. We registered the largest cohort of Grade 12 candidates for the past 10 years. A total of 12,726 full time candidates successfully completed the 2021 NSC examinations and despite the worldwide challenge presented by Covid 19.”
Saul said the Namakwa district achieved the highest district pass rate with 81, 2 percent, followed by ZF Mgcawu with a pass rate of 79, 8 percent.
“The Frances Baard district came third with a pass rate of 69, 6 percent where it increased performance by 4, 6 percent. The Pixley Ka Seme had a pass rate of 68, 7 percent which is an increase of 1, 4 percent. The John Taolo Gaetsewe is placed fifth with a pass rate of 67, 2 percent which is an increase of 7, 2 percent.”
He added that candidates who obtained multiple level 7s were able to master a high level of discipline and resilience, regardless of their socio-economic status.
“They were able to rise above their own current reality and define a promising future for themselves with endless possibilities. We celebrate them as our modern day heroes for their hard work and dedication.”
Saul encouraged pupils who had not passed, not to despair and to register for the mid-year examination.
“This is definitely not the be all and end all of it. You have stumbled at the last hurdle, so get up, dust yourself off and go get your pass mark in June. We will support and assist all candidates who did not make it.”
He noted that the Covid-19 pandemic was continuing to take its toll on the education system.
“The impact of the pandemic has impacted on every sector of society, be it education, economy, politics and social matters. The education sector was not spared. We lost educators, principals, circuit managers, professionals and support staff due to Covid-19 when we needed them the most. Our pupils depended on their wisdom, hard work and inspiration to get them through the year.”
The province’s top achiever Matthew Holm attended Kathu High School and is a Dux medallist. He achieved an average of 88, 6 percent and received full academic colours where he was awarded the Louis Jacobs Trophy for the best performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences in Grade 12.
He was also awarded for best performance in Life Sciences, accounting, English, Afrikaans in Grade 12.
Holm served as the Treasurer (deputy head boy) at Kathu High School and has been accepted to study a Bachelor of Data Science and Applied Mathematics degree at the University of Stellenbosch.
Holm has his sights set on owning a data encryption cyber security company, that can provide a digital infrastructure for the safe transfer and protection of valuable information.
"The future remains ever unpredictable – my only hope is that South Africa can develop into a country of great Mathematical and Scientific prowess," he said.