WELL DONE TO THE MATRICULANTS OF 2024
By Reneva Fourie
Political analyst specialising
Education serves as a vital foundation for both individual and societal development. It paves the way for academic success, expands our perspectives, and provides us with the skills needed to make valuable contributions to our communities. Given its significance, we must prioritise the quality and structure of education to ensure it positively influences our shared future.
We should therefore congratulate all the learners who recently received their results from the South African matriculation examination, regardless of whether they passed. Their journey involved months, and sometimes years, of sacrifices, late nights, and unwavering dedication. These results are a testament to the hard work of the learners as well as their educators and parents.
Passing the matriculation examination is a significant attainment. Whether students excelled in all their subjects or barely passed, the experience was a victory. It demonstrates their resilience and capacity to overcome challenges, even in difficult situations. It paves the way for various opportunities in further education, job prospects, and personal growth.
As we celebrate the achievements of those who passed, supporting those who did not achieve their desired results is equally important. It is essential to remember that exam scores do not define a person’s worth. A single examination does not determine one’s future or potential.
The road to success is rarely a straight path. Many accomplished individuals worldwide have encountered setbacks, disappointments, and failures before discovering their true calling. Life often offers second chances. There are numerous alternative paths to success, and a setback can often lead to the discovery of one’s true strengths and passions.
It is essential to recognise that education is not a race but a lifelong journey. While the matriculation examination is an important milestone in this journey, it is not the final destination of one’s educational pursuits. Many renowned individuals – whether entrepreneurs, scientists, actors, or artists – have encountered obstacles and emerged stronger. Ultimately, what truly matters is one’s self-belief and determination to continue growing.
Those who have succeeded are encouraged to use this accomplishment as a stepping stone for future endeavours. The future invites them to build upon this remarkable triumph. For those who did not pass, view this moment as an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and reignite your efforts.
While we laud individual successes, it is essential to recognise that South Africa’s matriculation results reflect the country’s overall performance in terms of education. Although annual improvements in pass rates suggest progress, they can mask significant challenges, such as low proficiency in essential subjects like mathematics and science. Additionally, social inequities, including overcrowding, violence, and the impacts of poverty, continue to affect educational outcomes.
High dropout rates before Grade 12 are a significant issue that undermines overall matriculation success. These results highlight disparities in resource distribution, emphasising the need for systemic reform to achieve equitable educational outcomes. Unfortunately, austerity measures, such as those implemented in the Western Cape, have reduced educators, further exacerbating these disparities.
For now, despite the challenges facing our education sector, we celebrate. Regardless of where last year’s matriculants stand, the most critical aspect is that their journeys are far from over. Education is not solely about passing exams but continuous learning and personal growth. To all those who sat for matric in 2024, keep learning, progressing, and believing in the transformative power of education to shape your lives and the world around you.
Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security and co-author of the book ‘The art of power: Pursuing liberation and nation-building’