Education MEC David Maynier joined parents, pupils and teachers at the Hector Peterson Secondary School, in Wallacedene, on Friday to celebrate a 14% improvement in the school’s matric pass rate.

The school’s 2022 pass rate of 92.6% is up from 78.4% in 2021, and the 128 pupils with university passes are up from 82.

Principal Mike Mavovana praised the pupils for beating the school’s target of 85%.

“You far exceeded our expectations. You stretched yourselves day in and day out. We expect this class of 2023 to not drop the ball. That is why they were invited to this event.”

Mr Maynier encouraged those who had failed or were not satisfied with their marks to apply for re-marking or write supplementary exams in June. Those battling disappointment could approach their school for counselling referral or call the Safe Schools Hotline at 0800 45 46 47.

The top three achievers were Nkazimlo Gagaza with 82.42% aggregate, Avela Sibidli with 82% and Baphethuxolo Fountain with 80%. All three did physical science, maths, life sciences, computer application technology (CAT), life orientation, Xhosa and Engish, except for Baphethuxolo who did geography instead of CAT.

Nkazimlo, of Bloekombos, recalled some of the challenges he faced.

“Sometimes at home and everywhere, you want to study and there is a tavern and music. So you get annoyed and sometimes you are tempted to go and join because of the vibes.”

He has been accepted to study geoinformatics and civil engineering at Stellenbosch University.

Avela Sibidli, of Wallacedene, said she had been provisionally accepted at UCT and Stellenbosch University to study health sciences, her first choice, and electrical engineering.

Also from Wallacedene, Baphethuxolo, who was accepted at UCT for geoinformatics, said: “With the results, I am really relieved and I am glad that they came out. I was very focused and I managed to get through.”

The school’s top-three achievers, from left, are Baphethuxolo Fountain, Avela Sibidli and Nkazimlo Gagaza.

School principal Mike Mavovana praised the matrics for beating the school’s 85% target.

Education MEC David Maynier encouraged those who had failed or were not satisfied with their marks to apply for re-marking or write supplementary exams in June.

Parents, pupils and teachers gathered to celebrate the school’s 92.6% matric pass rate.

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Joy at Wallacedene school as matric pass jumps 14%