​Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng learners have attributed their 2021 National Senior Certificate (NSC) achievements to resilience and the efforts put in by teachers and parents. The achievers agreed that it takes dedication and hard work to be at the top.

The Matric Class of 2021 persevered against what Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga called “astronomical challenges” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gauteng achieved the second-highest matric pass rate in the country with 82.8%.  There were 297 152 girls, who passed the exams which is an improvement of 21.4% from 2020. A total of 240 535 boys passed which is an improvement of 22.5% from 2020.

Top achiever, Polett Makwela from Cosmo City Secondary School in Johannesburg, said the results demonstrate that “what boys can achieve, girls can do it better.” 

“It shows that we are gradually turning the tide in terms of gender imbalances,” said Polett who received 6 distinctions with 87% aggregate. She achieved 100% in 
Business Studies and 96% in Economics. 

She plans to study BCom Economics and Econometrics at either the University of Johannesburg or North-West University.

“I want to study more about the economy. I want to play my part in changing the economic dynamics and maybe I can become the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank one day.”

The 18-year-old said she started studying the first day she walked into her matric class.

“I knew that I had to work hard to achieve extraordinary marks. It paid off,” she said before thanking her family, school principal and other teachers for their support through the journey. 

Polett said she did not give in to peer pressure. “I wanted to walk this journey by myself. I do not want my plans disrupted by others and that is how I pulled through.”

Extra classes, weekend sessions, and matric camps are some of the initiatives that helped learners to study even harder. 

Excited Odirile Lesufi from Buhle Park Secondary School in Ekurhuleni said the teachers encouraged them and motivated them throughout the year. 
Odirile achieved 100% in Physical Science and Life Sciences. “I am going to enrol for Mechanical Engineering at Wits or University of Johannesburg, and I plan to complete my degree on time."

Odirile's advice to the Class of 2022 was to "choose dedicated and focused friends. Start studying on your first day of school and not to procrastinate."