South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, hosted the annual Matric Achievers Breakfast at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg celebrating the nation’s top 39 matriculants from the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, acknowledging their exceptional academic performances and resilience.
Minister Gwarube commended the students, often referred to as the “Covid generation,” for their perseverance through unprecedented challenges. She highlighted that many began their high school journey in 2020 amid the pandemic, facing disruptions that transformed traditional learning methods. Despite these obstacles, the students demonstrated remarkable adaptability and commitment to their education.
Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the parents and communities who supported the learners during these trying times. She emphasized that the achievements of these students would be remembered in history, symbolizing the collective effort of families, educators, and the learners themselves.
The event featured personal stories from the top achievers, illustrating their determination and the diverse challenges they overcame. One notable story was that of Malwandla Baloyi from New Hope School in Pretoria. Born with brittle bone disease and scoliosis, Baloyi faced significant health challenges that led to frequent absences from school. Despite these hurdles, she achieved top results and plans to study psychology, aiming to assist others facing similar challenges.
MTN South Africa, the event’s host, reiterated its commitment to supporting education. CEO Bradley Swanepoel emphasized that investing in education is central to MTN’s mission, aiming to provide quality education and training for future leaders. The company’s involvement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing educational outcomes in the country.
During the breakfast, Minister Gwarube addressed concerns about a potential leak of the 2024 matric results. She confirmed that the Department of Basic Education was aware of platforms attempting to sell what they claimed were authentic results. The minister assured attendees that the integrity of the results remained intact and that investigations, involving the Hawks, were underway to address the breach.
The Matric Achievers Breakfast not only celebrated academic excellence but also highlighted the resilience and determination of South Africa’s youth. Minister Gwarube encouraged the top achievers to continue embodying these qualities as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, urging them to be ethical leaders and innovators who contribute positively to society.
In conclusion, the event served as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. The stories shared and the achievements celebrated underscored the potential within South Africa’s education system and its learners, promising a brighter future driven by these young leaders.