The class of 2020 will be remembered in the history of our country as true victors who had to balance the challenges of their final secondary year of schooling, with the devastating impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all spheres of our lives.
The Council congratulates the class of 2020 on the national pass rate of 76.2%. Although this is a drop in performance compared to the 2019 achievement rate, the class of 2020 is commended for its resilience and for achieving more quality passes than previous years.
The Department of Basic Education is applauded for its initiatives to improve teaching and learning in the public education system, such as its focus on equity; improved access to schooling and the inclusion of progressed learners in the number of learners enrolled for 2020.
The teacher unions, together with their members, the teachers of our nation, are praised for the instrumental role that they play during a very distressing and uncertain period, to ensure quality learning and teaching in our classrooms and the impressive national results for 2020. This achievement is beyond expectation, given the global challenges inflicted on schooling as a result of the pandemic.
To the class of 2020, may you continue to strive for excellence and exhibit the same dedication displayed during the 13 years of foundation, primary and secondary learning, in your working lives.
We wish you well.
Issued by the General Secretary on behalf of the Executive Committee of the ELRC.
