Amidst the academic grind, Tumelo Ngakanyane from Ganyesa in Vryburg, North West, had a unique approach to his grade 12 year in 2023. Instead of just concentrating on schoolwork, he dedicated his time after school, on weekends, and during holidays to tend to his livestock.
Ngakanyane, a learner from Huhudi Agricultural Sciences High, was among the thousands of matrics who received their final results today. He told Food For Mzansi it was a tough year, but the support he received from family and fellow farmers motivated him to go the extra mile. The school achieved a pass rate of 95%.
Making it despite the challenges
“My final academic year was very difficult, I was performing badly at the beginning of the year. This was because I was busy trying to operate my own farm, so having to cope with two things at the same time was difficult for me. However, I never doubted myself, I gave my all,” Ngakanyane said.
Ngakanyane further explained that he spent most of 2023 trying to protect his livestock from veld fires that hit the area extremely hard during the fire season.
Having moved to the Free State with his livestock, he will now enroll for a diploma in animal production at Glen College of Agriculture In Bloemfontein.
Mutswaletswale Mutshidzi from Luphai Secondary School in Thohoyandou, Limpopo said although he experienced challenges with his studies, he never doubted himself.
“My results are good, I worked hard and did very well. I am happy with my results and I obtained an average that will enable me to get into university. And although I didn’t apply in time, I am hopeful that I will be able to secure a spot. I will have to see what agricultural courses are available since my application will be late,” he said.
Jakes Gerwel soars with 10% pass boost!
Meanwhile, sounds of joy and excitement echoed in Jakes Gerwel Technical School in Bonnievale, Western Cape, today when the matric class of 2023 achieved a 10% increase in their matric pass rate.
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The school’s retired principal, Albert Mocke, who oversaw the class of 2023, expressed sheer delight at their remarkable improvement.
Mocke informed Food For Mzansi that out of the 102 pupils in the class of 2023, 18 achieved Bachelor passes, 45 earned access to diploma studies, and 27 secured so-called higher certificate passes.
“I think our students are very excited by these results because they did very well. I was their principal last year and this year I have retired, so it was a good way to close off. The students were very motivated and the jump from last year’s 81% to 91% is very good,” said Mocke.
For him, it was the students’ dedication and commitment that led to this good achievement. He is confident that this year’s students will improve as well.
Relieved students express their joy
Jakes Gerwel learner Angelicia Herder expressed to Food For Mzansi that her results are awe-inspiring for her and she is proud of her bachelor’s achievement.
“I am satisfied because I worked hard. Next year, I am going to study construction at the University of Johannesburg. Today when I get home, I want to celebrate with my family and friends,” she said.
Meanwhile, fellow student Bradenay Willemse said the past week has been a very long and nerve-wracking week for her, but she is relieved her results are finally out.
“There is room for improvement and I’m content, but I am very happy about what I achieved with my bachelor pass. I am looking forward to this next year and plan on spending the afternoon celebrating with my friends,” she said.
She is heading toward either the University of the Western Cape or the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and plans on either studying humanities or education (foundation phase).
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Tough subjects to crack
Lehlogonolo Morota, former learner at Tjetje Technical High School in Sehlakwane village in Limpopo, said 2023 was the toughest since he started his schooling career, having to balance his school work and all the different subjects. The school achieved 70.8%.
“I am planning to go to the University of Stellenbosch to study bachelor of mathematics and computer science. I am not happy with my results but I will soldier on,” he said.
Sboniso Makua, also from Tjetje Technical High School, said although he had challenges with mathematics, he is glad that he managed to improve in mathematics. He intends to study at North West University.
Another learner from the school who believes she did not have a great year, is Banze Tinyiko. “I faced challenges in mathematics and physical sciences. For three terms, I did not do well in those subjects but I really improved,” she said.
Overcoming obstacles
Tinyiko said she will be enrolling at Tshwane University of Technology to study food technology. Meanwhile, fellow learner Shirley Tala said the year was tough as they did not have enough teachers and were forced to study on their own.
“A lot of promises were made that would’ve helped us achieve better results, but unfortunately, they didn’t materialise. I plan to study nursing because I have a passion for it,” she said.
The top learner at Tjetje Technical High School, Nkosinathi Mthombeni, said he also struggled with mathematics and physical sciences but help from fellow students and teachers made him push through.
He intends to go to the University of Johannesburg to study agricultural sciences but is open to the idea of other universities.
Frederick Turner from Augsburg Landbougimnasium in Clanwilliam, Western Cape said 2023 was one of the most physically and mentally challenging years of his school career. Yet it was probably one of the best and most fun years of his life.
“The biggest struggle during the year was to find and stay motivated to keep on doing my school work and extracurricular activities. I am satisfied with my results yet i would have liked to get an A average. I am going to have some of my tests remarked to hopefully receive the A,” he said.
Turner said he would be studying BEng mechatronical at Stellenbosch University.
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