The 2020 matric class deserves a thunderous round of applause for what they accomplished under such trying circumstances.

Yes, the overall pass rate in the country went down, but this was inevitable due to the pandemic taking up so much attention. However, an exceptional 76,2 per cent of the matric class still passed despite the roller coaster that was 2020. The cherry on the cake is that Johannesburg West had the second highest pass rate in the country, with 88,1 per cent of our matrics successfully finishing off their final school year.

While a couple of disappointed looks adorned the faces of the 18-year-olds collecting their results on Tuesday, 23 February, relief was the most evident emotion.