Heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2013; you have really made us all proud!
The 2013 matriculants are the second cohort of learners born in the democratic South Africa, and this is particularly important in light of the 20 years of Democracy which we will be celebrating in 2014, while also remembering the passing of President Nelson Mandela. For so many of us, Tata Madiba represented the victories of South Africa and the Class of 2013 has reaffirmed that education in this country is on an upward trajectory. In 1995, the national pass percentage was 53.4% and 19 years later, the national pass percentage stands at 78.2%.
The end of Grade 12 is a significant milestone in the academic journey of all learners, and this signifies the point at which critical decisions are made relating to future career pathways, including entering the world of work, or studying further at various Higher Education Institutions. As the Department of Basic Education, over the last 13 years, we have provided our young learners with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to pursue the goal of lifelong learning.
I am proud to announce that of the 562 112 candidates that wrote the National Senior Certificate examination as full-time candidates, 439 779 have achieved either a National Senior Certificate, or qualified for Admission to Certificate studies, Diploma studies or Bachelor studies at Higher Education Institutions. In addition to the 171 755 young people that qualify for Bachelor Studies at Higher Education Institutions, a further 173 292 of our young people can undertake Diploma Studies at these Higher Education institutions and this represents 61% of the Class of 2013.
To our young people, as you leave the formal schooling system be assured that the government and all South African stakeholders are behind you. Small business and the private sector as a whole will continue to prioritise job creation and skills development to ensure enhanced economic development in our country. The National Development Plan (NDP) is taken very seriously by all stakeholders with you in mind.
The DBE is working closely with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to ensure the smooth movement of learners from the formal schooling system into post formal school education, and pre-service teacher training. We acknowledge that increased and improved opportunities for further studies, vocational training and work experience are vital for your active and meaningful participation as productive citizens, and we hope that you become life-long learners, always committed to attaining knowledge.
I appreciate the efforts, commitment, support and hard work of guardians, parents, teachers, and education officials at all levels. Without you, the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves as a nation for 2014 cannot be realised. We ask that you continue to show the passion you have and support the class of 2013 beyond the NSC examinations, and similarly show the same enthusiasm for the class of 2014 and future generations.
Amid the excitement and congratulations, I encourage those that did not perform well, to not lose heart because there are many options available for you to improve your results or to choose an alternative career path.
As Tata Mandela said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”.
My sincere hope is that the class of 2013 will take a moment to reflect on the progress that we have made as a country, and commit themselves to realising all their potential in the years to come as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.
Read the following information carefully. It will assist you with your future options and choices.
Remember: If you are disappointed with your results, do not panic or think you must deal with it on your own. Seek advice and support from your teachers or department counsellors.
You may also wish to contact CHILDLINE on their toll free number – 0800 055 555 – and you will be redirected to the appropriate regional office.
