ANC STATEMENT ON THE 2010 MATRIC RESULTS: WELL DONE MATRIC CLASS OF 2010!

The African National Congress (ANC) congratulates the entire matric class of 2010 for a deserved improvement in the matric pass rate last year that has showed an improvement of 7.2% to 67.8% bettering the 2009 pass rate of 60.6%.  We also in the same vein would like to congratulate the national Minister the Honourable Angie Motshega and her team for a work well done!

We are equally impressed by all our provincial education departments, who have, without exception, improved their results in the year 2010.  In this vein, we would like to isolate the Gauteng department of education for being the number one province in 2010 with their 78.6% pass rate.  This improvement has translated into a pass of 364,513 learners out of 537,543.  We are equally excited that of those who have passed 126 371 learners were able to get university exemption.

The ANC believes that this improvement on the matric class of 2010 came as a result of society's involvement in education.  We are therefore humbled, that our continued call for all of society including parents, educators and students and as well as education administrators to be fully involved In the education system, is starting to bear dividends.  We are starting to see education as been every South African's business.

It is equally humbling that despite difficulties and the challenges our country experienced in the public sector last year and despite the disruptions that came with the hosting of the FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament, particularly in the education arena our learners and our teachers did everything in their power to make amends for whatever time that was lost due to the challenges experienced.  Our gratitude also goes to those who volunteered during those difficult times to give our learners tuition without any compensation from our government and parents.  These results are a clear indication that their contributions were not in vain.

The results also point to the longstanding assertion by the African National Congress that working together we can do more.

To the learners who have not made it in 2010, we would like to assure them that they should not give up as this is not the end of the road. There are still supplementary exam for those who qualify and for those who do not qualify there is still another year to improve their lot. We appeal to all parents, relatives and educators to give all their support, as we will also do, to all learners who have not made it.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, African National Congress national spokesperson, January 6 2010

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