- Addressing the top matric learners of 2023 during the National Senior Certificate Awards ceremony held today, Education Minister David Maynier said he was “feeling optimistic about the future.”
- The ceremony, held at Leeuwenhof in Gardens, acknowledged the top-performing learners and schools in the province.
- The Western Cape Class of 2023 increased the matric pass rate for the third year running to 81,54%.
Addressing the top matric learners of 2023 during the National Senior Certificate Awards ceremony held today, Education Minister David Maynier said he was “feeling optimistic about the future.”
The ceremony, held at Leeuwenhof in Gardens, acknowledged the top-performing learners and schools in the province.
The Western Cape Class of 2023 increased the matric pass rate for the third year running to 81,54%.
The province also obtained the second-highest distinctions rate, with 24 982 subject distinctions awarded.
Melissa Müller from Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch was ranked the top public-school learner in the country, top Quintile-5 candidate and top mathematics candidate in the country.
Maynier said the top candidate in the country had come from the Western Cape in six of the past seven matric exams, the top candidate in mathematics for five exams in a row.
He said: “We are so proud of you, of your commitment, of your hard work and of the investment you have made in your own future. Keep hold of your drive and determination: it will serve you well in the years ahead. “Whenever I speak with our top achievers, and indeed with any of our matriculants, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the future that our matriculants will help us build.”
Melissa said she will study mechatronic engineering at Stellenbosch University this year.
The teen said she was “shaking” when she heard she was the top learner in the country. “Now that I’ve had a few days to process the news I am so excited to see the opportunities this opens up for my future.”
Melissa also had some words of advice for the class of 2024: “Enjoy your year, love what you are doing. You are going to make friends that will last you a lifetime. Know when to have fun and when to buckle down and study. You cannot study 24/7 you will burn out by finals. Pace yourself.”
Sashen Chase from Norman Henshilwood High School in Plumstead was one of two learners awarded the ministerial award that recognises learners who succeeded despite challenging circumstances. He was diagnosed with osteoporosis in Grade 10 and suffered epileptic fits, elevating the risk of fractures to his weakened bones.
Sashen’s condition worsened in his matric year, making it difficult to walk, sit for prolonged periods, which increased spinal problems. But his determination saw him achieving a bachelor’s pass with a distinction in Life Orientation.
He encourages other learners facing similar challenges not to give up. “Ask your teachers for help; I know it isn’t easy. When it comes to the exam period put in all the hard work, then you should get your desired results.”
Joe Slovo Secondary School was one of 10 schools named most improved public school.
De Rust Futura Akademie was ranked among the top 10 schools, which saw the greatest increase in the percentage of bachelor’s passes.
Fairdale High School was in the top 5, which saw the most improved pass performance.
Premier Alan Winde encouraged the learners to read books and empower themselves. “You are the leaders of the future, universities want you, the world wants you,” he pointed out.
“Make wise choices. The world that you’re moving into, of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media, is a scary world. Make sure you embrace the world with ethics and values, because so many of these things can be used incorrectly. The world is your oyster; good luck and congratulations. Being here means that you are a change agent and leader of the future.”
