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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West would like to congratulate the Matric Class of 2021.

The Class of 2021 faced unimaginable hurdles to complete their senior certificates over the last two years due to the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in lockdowns, rotational learning, disruption to classes following Covid infections, and the adjustment to hybrid and online learning.

Under these circumstances, principals, teachers, and parents had to navigate a new normal in order to establish the necessary support networks to ensure that matriculants were assisted in the best possible way to prepare them for their final matric examinations.

Every principal, teacher, parent, caregiver and matriculant is a hero. You have all gone far beyond previous matric classes. Well done!

For those matriculants who just missed their senior certificate, this is not the end. Recommit towards obtaining your matric certificate this year.

Out of the 438 schools in North West, 28 schools obtained a 100% pass rate, whole 216 achieved a pass rate between 80% to 99% and 174 between 60% to 79%.

The matric results are not the only indicator of the success of basic education in the province. Many challenges and obstacles to quality education remain.

The Department of Education in North West needs to do better.

Schools need to be better supported, specifically with provision of the tools required to facilitate modern teaching and learning methods. Schools also need to be better maintained, to ensure that each school is a safe and secure centre of learning.

Far too many schools lack the basic infrastructure, staff and financial support to create centres of excellence in learning. If we can get the basics right, it will go a long way to ensure that we retain more learners who will successfully complete their matric examinations, placing them at an advantage towards a more productive, prosperous adult life.

Issued by DA North West Provincial Leader, Leon Basson MP