​Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has praised the province's class of 2020 for their performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19.
Gauteng maintained the second position after the Free State province, with a pass rate of 83.75% and six Gauteng districts are in the top ten best performing districts in the country. 
Addressing the Learner Awards event on Wednesday, 24 February, Makhura conveyed the provincial government's appreciation and saluted the class of 2020, "This was not an easy year, but our province is still standing. We are number two in the republic and we know we dropped but when I look at the quality of the passes, I am happy," said Makhura. 
A leaner, Zamahlubi Mahlungu from Emadwaleni Secondary School in Johannesburg West was the top township learner and plans to study Biomedical science at Wits University.
 "To be in a public school does not mean you are less of a human being, but it should be a motivation to work hard. I believe that I am a hard worker, I don't need to be pushed, I know where I want to be in 5 years and I know the situation at home that's why I didn't see COVID-19 as an excuse not to perform," she said.
She also thanked her teachers and parents for the support and encouraged the Class of 2021 to work hard from the beginning of the year and not allow COVID-19 to delay their future.
MEC Lesufi said he was pleased with the performance of township schools that achieved a 100% pass rate and a Bachelor rate above 60%.
These include Diepsloot Secondary School in Diepsloot, Rusoord Secondary School in Sedibeng, Marlboro Gardens Secondary School in Marlboro Gardens and Denver Secondary School in Jeppestown.