Following the release of last year’s matric results on Thursday 19 January, members of the Khayelitsha Development Forum (KEF) and their Gugulethu counterparts have expressed satisfaction.
Angie Motshekga, Minister of Basic Education, told the nation that the class of 2022 achieved a pass rate of 80,1%, a 3,7% increase from the previous year. Western Cape achieved an 81,2% from 79,9 % last year, behind Gauteng (82,2%) and Free State (85,7%).
Learners and teachers were praised for their efforts, considering the Covid-19 challenges faced by the group.
Several township schools including Cosat (Centre of Science and Technology), Siphamandla, Manyano and Usasazo, all in Khayelitsha, as well as ID Mkize and Sithembele Matiso, in Gugulethu and New Crossroads, respectively, did well. Siphamandla High School obtained 96,5%, Manyano 96,3%, COSAT 92,5% and Usasazo 92,3.
Matiso achieved 88,7%, while ID Mkhize obtained 74,4%.
Commenting on the results, Gugulethu Development Forum (GDF) secretary Vincent Domingo said a lot of work needed to be done to help the schools. “We are happy with the results. But we believe that there is space for improvement,” he said and applauded the teachers for doing a great job under difficult circumstances. “We just came out of the Covid-19 and there was load shedding, but they managed to make it through”.
KDF deputy chair Thandi Msutu said they are pleased with the results. “We are proud of Khayelitsha schools. We have four schools that are above the 90% pass rate. That tells everyone that sooner or later one of those schools will have a 100% pass rate. We are very proud of our teachers, without them, we wouldn’t be rejoicing today,” she said.