I am filled with pride at what the Western Cape Matric class of 2020 has achieved. In an unprecedented year, in which schools were closed and learning interrupted, the province's matrics have managed a remarkable feat.
The Western Cape has recorded a pass rate of 79,9%. While the pass rate did show a decline of 2.4%, this is the lowest provincial decline and lower than the average national decrease.
This class has also increased the number of bachelor's passes to the highest level recorded in the province-with 43.8% of our matric learners achieving a bachelor's pass.
I am most proud of the fact that the Western Cape has the highest retention rate in the country- with 66% of the learners who started grade 10 in 2018, completing their matric this year. Together with the bachelor's passes, this means that more young people in our province will have access to more opportunities in the future.
Beyond the results, you have many reasons to be proud of yourselves. Never before has a matric class experienced what you have gone through in the past year. You have had your schools closed, you have had to adjust to learning in new ways, and you have had to deal with the fear and uncertainty of returning to school in a pandemic. Many of you will also have experienced loss and grief. And yet, you did not allow this to stop you from completing your matric year.
When you go and collect your results today, I want you to remember all that you have overcome to get to this point. If your results are not as you had hoped, please do not give up and explore all the options available to you to complete matric.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to all of those people who have supported our matrics as they have worked towards this point- parents, caregivers, neighbours, family members and friends. And finally, I want to thank the teachers, principals, school staff and WCED officials, who went above and beyond last year.
Matrics who require support and counselling are encouraged to reach out to their school, who will put them in touch with the relevant services. Alternatively, you can phone the Safe Schools hotline in 0800 45 46 47.
If you are celebrating your results this week, I appeal to you to do so safely and responsibly by avoiding the 3Cs of crowds, confined spaces with poor ventilation and close contact. Please also remember to wear your mask.
