More than 890 000 full-time and part-time candidates sat for the matric exams administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) at the end of 2023.

The Soul City Institute commends everyone who sat for the NSC examinations in 2023 for their resilience in making it through the basic education system. Through our Soul Buddyz programme in schools, we are aware of the various intersecting challenges that most pupils face and we wish them all the necessary support to overcome these unfortunate circumstances.

“Congratulations to the class of 2023. Passing matric is not the end of the journey, it is just the beginning. Well done to everyone who passed and those who didn’t pass, allow yourself the opportunity to try again,” Phinah Kodisang, SCI CEO.

With bated breath and high hopes, the class of 2023 has been waiting for this day since dropping pens last year. For most young people, especially those on the margins of oppression, passing matric is their ticket out of poverty and a signal of hope for a brighter future.

The Class of 2023 also scored the highest Bachelor passes – which allows candidates to apply for university Bachelor’s degree studies.

However, with corruption scandals surrounding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), it is an uncertain time for prospective students who are desperate for financial support.

Lebogang Kganyago is one of the young people who received good news this morning. She is elated for having made her mother proud by obtaining entry for a bachelor's degree, as well as two distinctions.

“My plan is furthering my studies in tertiary institutions, so I applied for NSFAS as well as six SA universities and I’m still waiting for feedback, hoping to be accepted. My choice would be studying at the University of Pretoria for a Bachelor of Psychology,” says Lebogang.