POLOKWANE – The pupils in the Limpopo Province who wrote matric last year have achieved a 70% pass rate. This was announced by the MEC of Education in Limpopo Province, Mrs Happy Joyce Mashamba, during the official announcement of the matric results at the Oasis Motel on December 30.

Mrs Mashamba expressed gratitude to the parents and guardians who gave their children the necessary support and encouragement during this time. “The importance of the role of parents should never be underestimated, as it is critical in sustaining and bolstering the teaching and learning process. The results achieved by the teachers did not happen by accident or luck. It is a result of hard work and dedication. Teachers in this province committed themselves in ways that should be an example to the rest of their profession and we truly appreciate their selfless contribution,” said the MEC.

Over the past few years the Department has focussed on the extent to which underprivileged schools improved. “The department is aware of the reality that, despite our concerted efforts to redress the inequalities, many of the students continued to learn under extremely difficult conditions and should never venture into comparing the achievement of Limpopo with the sister provinces that do not share the same realities on the ground”.

Of the 68 894 candidates who completed the examinations, 48 210 passed. The top region in the Limpopo was Region Four, with a 79.88% pass rate. Position two went to Region Six, with 72,92% and the third position went to Region Three, with 72,53%. A number of 127 schools obtained a 100% pass rate, compared to 107 in 2002.

Mbilwi School was announced as the school that performed the best in the exams. Fritz–Jan van der Westhuizen of Louis Trichardt, who obtained seven distinctions (English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, Economics and Computer Studies) was the best student in the province. Marnus Beukan of Frikkie Meyer, Dorothy Steenkamp of Capricorn High, Humbulani Dombo of Khanyisa High, Lufuno Musenwa of Mbilwi and Kondelelani Muthaphuli were the best students in their respective regions.

Tendani Matoro of Jonathan Thifulufheli was the top Biology student, with 396 marks out of a possible 400. Lufuno Musenwa of Mbilwi scooped Physical Science with 392 marks. Tshikudo Lukoto obtained 400 marks in Mathematics.

The MEC congratulated the matriculants who did well, and wished them success in their endevours.