The Western Cape Matric Class of 2023 has achieved an impressive National Senior Certificate pass rate of 81.54% – With more than 50,000 candidates having completed their matriculation!

All 50,520 candidates who passed have met the requirements for higher education, with 26,182 candidates (42.2%) qualifying for a university entrance with a bachelor’s pass. This is the highest number of matrics with bachelor’s passes the province has ever achieved.

In terms of subject achievements, the province’s candidates excelled with a top Mathematics pass rate of 75.4% and a top Physical Sciences pass rate of 82.2%. Additionally, the province proudly boasts the second-highest distinction rate, with 24,982 subject distinctions awarded to Western Cape candidates.

“This is an incredible achievement considering the events of 2023, including a devastating minibus taxi strike and an illegal blockade of learner transport in Khayelitsha, two massive floods, and ongoing crippling loadshedding.” – Education MEC, David Maynier

The Education department has also noted an increase in the retention rate from Grade 10 to 12, now standing at 69.3%.

“Getting both the pass rate and the retention rate to move in a positive direction is a difficult task, and we are pleased that more of the Grade 10 class from two years’ prior are writing and succeeding in their final matric exams.”

Six of the province’s candidates received national recognition during the live announcement, including the top candidates in the country and the top candidates with special needs.

Top candidates nationally:

Public schools: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch

Independent schools: Ethan Myers – Herzlia High School, Vredehoek

Top candidate in Quintile 5:

1st place: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch

2nd place: Jared Ryan Benn – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg

Top candidate in Mathematics:

1st place: Melissa Muller – Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch

Top candidate in Physical Science:

1st place: Jared Ryan Benn – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Wynberg

Top candidate in South African Sign Language:

2nd place: Amahle Jemane – De La Bat School, Worcester

Top candidate Special Needs Education:

1st place: Samkelo Gumada – Athlone School for the Blind, Bellville

3rd place: Nizibone Victor Mapolisa – Athlone School for the Blind, Bellville

“We are especially pleased that our learners with special needs are being recognised for their incredible achievement, as improving access to quality education for learners with special needs is a key priority for our government.”

Maynier has congratulated the matrics of 2023 for their outstanding results and the dedication they invested in their matric year.