The Class of 2022 has achieved outstanding success despite a tumultuous two years, with President Cyril Ramaphosa commending them for their incredible individual and collective performances in the face of adversity.
“We must all work together to build a society where learners are not measured only by their resilience in testing times but where they can fulfil their potential in conducive conditions.
“The Class of 2022 has, through its commendable performance, made our future more hopeful; a future in which this generation of young South Africans will take our country to new heights.
“As much as we celebrate individual achievement, the Class of 2022 also constitutes a pass for our education system; it vindicates the extensive and unwavering investment we have made in education during nearly 30 years of freedom,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa declared that South Africa’s incredible success in 2022 resulted from a remarkable educational trifecta: learners, teachers, and officials. All three worked together to overcome difficult circumstances with steadfastness and dedication – paving the way toward prosperity for years.
“For the relatively small proportion of unsuccessful candidates, this is not the end of the road; you can pick yourself up and take advantage of a number of options that will empower you to continue your journey to success,” he said.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga also celebrated the remarkable 80.1% pass rate – marking the second highest since 2019. Further evidence shows that learners have forged on despite hardships such as load shedding and unrest.
The National Senior Certificate results announced last week highlighted numerous advances in the basic education system, including:
There was an increase of just under 9% in the number of learners qualifying for Bachelor studies in 2021;
- A 77.2% pass rate among candidates from no-fee schools;
- A 91.5% pass rate in independent schools;
As evidence of growing gender equity in education, nearly two-thirds of distinctions have been earned by female candidates.
- A 10% increase in the number of female candidates obtaining Bachelor passes.