“The Covid-19 pandemic had a severe effect on teaching and learning, it is thus appropriate that these matriculants be congratulated for their achievement under these circumstances”
THE NORTHERN Cape provincial government has congratulated the matric class of 2020 despite recording a 10.5% decrease in the overall pass rate.
The Province achieved a matric pass rate of 66%, down from 76.5% in 2019.
The head of communication at the Office of the Premier, Monwabisi Nkompela, pointed out that the Class of 2020 had to complete their final year of schooling during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Class of 2020 is the first of its kind in the world to have been faced with the Covid-19 pandemic in their final year of schooling before they enter the phase of higher education and training at a tertiary institution. The pandemic had a severe effect on all areas of life and, more especially, those of teaching and learning. It is thus appropriate that these matriculants be congratulated for their achievement under these circumstances,” said Nkompela.
He stated that various factors contributed to the drop in the pass rate.
“A number of pupils opted to pause their schooling for health and safety reasons during the pandemic,” said Nkompela.
“The Northern Cape provincial government is proud of the achievements presented by Vaalharts High School, Calvinia High School, Hopetown High School and Prieska High School for obtaining a 100 percent pass rate.”
Nkompela congratulated the top matriculant in the Province, Gabbi Christians from Kimberley Girls’ High School.
He reminded those who did not meet the criteria for passing in 2020 that they could rewrite and improve their results.
“The Northern Cape Department of Education has systems in place to assist these learners to achieve academic success.
“Let the results of the class of 2020 encourage all learners that they can achieve their goals through hard work, determination and consistency.”
