The Western Cape matric class of 2024 was praised for their historical academic excellence at the annual National Senior Certificate Awards ceremony held today.
The event, at Leeuwenhof, official residence of the Premier, saw the top learners and schools awarded.
The class of 2024 achieved the province’s highest matric pass rate, at 86,6%, and the highest bachelor’s pass rate, at 47,8%.
David Maynier, Western Cape MEC for Education, said the matric class had set new records for the National Senior Certificate exams in the province.
“We are so proud of what you have achieved. Your schools are so proud of what you have achieved. And your families are so proud of what you have achieved. You have proven you are the best of the best, and there is no limit to what you can achieve. The only thing that can stop you is not believing you can do it. We need to believe that we can make the changes.”
He wished the candidates well for their future.
The top learner in the country, Rayyan Ebrahim of Pinelands High School, said he was still in a state of disbelief.
“I am still shocked, but I am just grateful to be recognised for my hard work.”
He also had useful advice for the class of 2025.
“Pace yourself throughout the year and work consistently, and constantly rely on your support system. You don’t have to do matric alone, for there is an army of people behind you.”
Rustenburg Girls’ High School was named the top school in
the province with an NSC enrolment of 80 or more candidates achieving academic excellence
results in 2024.
Christoffel Petrus Lombard of Hoër Tegniese Skool Drostdy and Onga Mabusela of Thembelihle Secondary School in Khayelitsha received special ministerial awards. These are given to candidates who have achieved excellent academic results despite facing hardship, ill health and/or personal obstacles.
Premier Alan Winde congratulated the learners for their achievements, saying they made the province proud.
