It is indisputable that due to Covid-19, 2020 was an extremely difficult year, especially for the matriculants who had to write end-of-year papers.

There were lockdowns to deal with, then extra classes and lots of work to catch up on – not to mention leaked papers and possible re-writes, which were then cancelled. Sarel Cilliers’ matrics can truly be classified as survivors, as they really faced every possible adversity and came out on top, achieving excellent results despite all the odds.

The ‘Class of 2020’ achieved a pass rate of 98.6%, the highest pass rate in the district and well above the KwaZulu-Natal provincial pass rate of 77.6%. Sarel Cilliers proudly recorded a total number of 128 A symbols. Only six subjects of the 22 written did not achieve a 100% pass rate, and the results in subjects like Mathematics and Physics were much improved from previous years.

The top-achieving subjects were Zulu First Additional Language with 40 A symbols and 26 B symbols, Life Orientation with 37 A symbols and 37 B symbols, Tourism with 19 A symbols and 20 B symbols, Business Studies with four A symbols and 11 B symbols, and Maths Lit with five A symbols and six B symbols.

The students performed exceptionally well and the top learners made Sarel Cilliers extremely proud. Dux learner Mariam Khan achieved an average of 90.4% and was the second top achiever in the Umzinyathi District with seven A symbols. Jans Potgieter achieved an aggregate of 85.7 % with six A symbols, with Nicole Johnson getting 84.4% with six A symbols, Thukela Jaji 78.1% with two A symbols, Charne Stoop 77.8 % with three A symbols, and Snothile Gumede 74.2 % with three A symbols. These learners were the top six. Our top learners will be going to study Actuarial Science; M Khan in Stellenbosch and T Jaji in Pretoria, with the others following a career in Education and Mechanical Engineering.

There is no doubt that these top achievers have a bright future ahead of them and after 2020, are prepared for and can tackle any adverse conditions.

“Sarel Cilliers congratulates all the matric students on their achievements – we know you did your best and made us proud. Sarel Cilliers is also grateful to their dedicated body of staff who put in many extra hours in preparing the learners for the final exams. The matric exams are a culmination of many years’ work and each and every person at the school makes an important contribution,” said principal Y Soobramoney.

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