Veronica Makhoali18 January 2024 | 13:54

Motshekga: Matrics of 2023 'not an ordinary class' & deserve to be celebrated

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said the matric class of 2023 deserved to be celebrated, perhaps more than any other group before them.

Motshekga: Matrics of 2023 'not an ordinary class' & deserve to be celebrated

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. Picture: @DBE_SA/X

JOHANNESBURG - Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said the matric class of 2023 deserved to be celebrated, perhaps more than any other group before them.
 
Out of more than 700,000 pupils who sat for the national senior certificate exams, 34 learners have emerged as the top achievers nationwide.
 
Speaking at the ministerial breakfast session on Thursday, Motshekga said that SA's top matriculants represented much more than just academic excellence.

"Because the class of 2023 is not an ordinary class and indeed it has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance in a period marked by post-pandemic challenges, really withstood the storm. You need to remember your success is a beacon of hope for your peers."

She said they demonstrated resilience, determination and hard work.

"The achievement of these young people ladies and gentlemen, not just individuals, I must say they are a collective type of a nation that believes in the transformative power of basic education."