Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM), Glady Khoza has congratulated the matric class of 2021 across town for their good performance.

Also read: Minister commends class of 2021

In a media release issued by the Office of the Executive Mayor, Khoza said the 2021 learners managed to triumph over fear and conquered the odds stacked against them.

We rise in salute for the bravery and daring spirit of these youth because this class has displayed capacity and skill that is well needed to enhance various disciplines,” the statement read.

She added, “We celebrate the class of 2021 achievement united as a nation and as a country. This cohort has given us a reason to have a positive memory of 2021, a year in which humanity was engulfed by daily news of the impact of Covid-19 which mostly were negative and ripped the very social and economic nerve of our lives. What more could prevent us as the people from this special moment of glory?”

She also said those who played a significant role in bringing about this outcome, such as teachers, parents, businesses, the learners themselves, as well as other stake holders should also be applauded. The mayor further commended top performing schools in Rand West City.

Also read: You’ve passed matric … now what?

“With immense pride and prestige, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the class of 2021 resulted in this exhilarating moment of celebration, the hugs and kisses. We also offer words of encouragement to those who didn’t great marks.”

The Mayor said it is imperative to also put a spotlight consciously on the ever-rearing head of the legacy of apartheid, which is visible in the landscape of the schools’ performance.

The vivid inequality needs to be addressed robustly and remains key in the agenda of transformation. This is part of the commitment made during the recent Back to School program. We must achieve a sense of stability in the education system. We must also remember that education is everybody’s business.

“We must maintain the legacy of the great qualities displayed by our learners during these pandemic years, but we’ll have to redesign, remake, remold our view on education as stakeholders to increase our pass rate from 79,3% – a decline of 4,2 % – as a District to 100%.

“Those who studied maths can attest, that if we can add everyone’s initiative and contribution towards education, then 100% can be achievable,” the statement read.

“Congratulations once more to the Class of 2021, on an incredible achievement. We wish them well in their future adventures,” the Mayor said.