The mayor was speaking after the announcement of the results by the Department of Basic Education.
Gungunbele said it was exciting to see more young people from disadvantaged areas coming out tops in their studies.
“The fact that our country continues to produce more and more university entrants from the previously disadvantaged areas is a clear sign that we are on the right track,” said Gungubele.
He also highlighted that even though some areas experienced a high number of service delivery protests, learners were able to pass.
Gungubele added that the youth should continue to take education seriously.
“Education is the key to a better life for them and their loved ones, and they should triple their efforts going forward for the standard of education at institutions of higher learning is indeed higher and tougher,” said Gungugbele.
He also had a message of support to those matriculants who did not pass.
“There is a thin line between losing and winning. Losing breeds winners.
“The main recipe for success is through failure and hardships. What you need to do now is take the baton, aim high and do proper planning.
“Change your attitude and take off for the skies,” said Gungubele.
He reminded the learners that patience was not an easy thing but its rewards were worth it.
“They must remember that age is still on their side and therefore all they need to do is understand that achievements take time and there is no over nights success.
“Also important is the fact that there is no need to be embarrassed by failure, but rather you must learn form it and start again,” he said.
The mayor thanked teachers, parents, other stakeholders in the education fraternity and society in general in ensuring the success of the class of 2014.
The education of our children can only be a success if all of us realise that it is not about the children themselves but the community and the future of South Africa,” said Gungubele.
The DA Gauteng MEC for education, Khume Ramulifho, also congratulated Gauteng’s class of 2014 for achieving South Africa’s highest pass rate of 84.7 per cent.
“While the pass rate is much lower than MEC Panyaza Lesufi’s target of 90 per cent, the province deserves recognition for claiming the top three and joint fifth districts in the country,” said Ramulifho.
He pointed out that even though passing matric is the building block for a better life, further study is needed to make that dream a reality.
“The MEC now needs to focus his attentions on improving the 34.4 per cent bachelor’s pass rates.
“The DA believes to do so, it is important to ensure that the quality of matric passes are spread across all quintile schools,” said Ramulifho.
