Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
19th January 2024 | 16:00 CAT
4 Min read

The matric class of 2023 demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved outstanding results despite the challenges they faced throughout the year.

On Thursday evening, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced that the matric class of 2023 had achieved an 82.9% pass rate.

Motshekga noted that the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo, the country’s three most rural provinces, produced 50.9% of the total bachelor passes.

Teachers, principals and students across the provinces are elated with the results of their learners. Radio Islam spoke with a few of them.

Apa Rabia Bibi Mia, the deputy principal of Johannesburg Muslim School, expressed her immense pride in the school’s 100% pass rate. Out of all the learners, 7 received an A-Aggregate, and over 40% achieved an aggregate of over 70%. The top learner of JMS was Naseeha Karodia.

Madam Hamida Moosa from Al-Aqsa High School, Lenasia noted that matriculants of Al-Aqsa achieved excellent results in the face of adversity. “We have had students who lost parents, had ill parents, or parents in accidents, yet the quality of their passes was remarkable. It was heart-warming to note that some of our learners who achieved distinctions barely passed grade 11, so it is never too late. Never be discouraged that you are not an academic or an A student; you can make your year yours and better your own best,” Moosa said.

Mr Ashraf Patel, Principal of Azaadville Muslim School, was honoured to report the 100% pass rate of Azaadville learners, of which 80% achieved a bachelor pass. Two candidates achieved a full house – 7 distinctions. “As our learners go out as ambassadors of the Azaadville Muslim School, we pray Allah protects them all,” said Patel.

Mr Hassim, Principal of Nurul Imaan Muslim School Rustenburg, applauds their learner’s 100% bachelor pass rate and notes their dedicated teachers, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the learners achieved their best.

Madam Munshi, Principal of Lenasia Secondary School, is thrilled with the school’s 97% pass rate. “The school implemented additional interventions for failing students, including extra classes. Unfortunately, some parents did not send their children to these classes, resulting in 4 failures. However, the teachers went above and beyond by providing extra help to these students out of their own goodwill,” said Munshi.

Imtiaz Saib, the New Executive Head of Orient Islamic School, is elated about the 90% bachelor pass rate. “We are confident that our students are resilient and well-equipped for life after school,” Saib said.

Successful students shared common traits such as a strong work ethic, consistent effort, and effective use of available support systems.

Zuleikha Abubaker (Qurtuba Islamic Academy) said her expectations were lowered when she reached finals, as certain papers were difficult, but she was positively surprised to achieve 7 distinctions. Her future path takes a turn into the medical world.

“My advice to parents/guardians is to avoid pressuring their children excessively. Every child is unique and needs to be allowed enough time and freedom to balance their lives holistically. It is essential to learn this skill at school level so that they can better cope with university life,” Abubaker said.

Abdur-Rahman Kaka (Al-Falaah College) was still reeling from receiving his results of 7 distinctions. “I was so nervous my father had to read it to me. 12 years of work now culminated in this one spreadsheet. The pressure and stress gets to you, but it pushed me to take the year seriously, which required a lot of work, tuition, notes, and past papers, but it was worth it, Alhamdulillah,” said Kaka. He plans to study Computer Engineering at UKZN and believes he can explore many different job opportunities in this field.

Hannah Bhamjee (Al-Falaah College) felt this was the first year where the standard was back to normal since the pandemic. After achieving 7 distinctions, Bhamjee now hopes to study medicine in Durban. “School is very structured, and people run after you, whereas university requires self-discipline, which seems daunting, but I think I will do well adjusting,” she said.

Goal-driven Mohamed Ismeel Valli-Mahomed (Al-Falaah College), who achieved 7 distinctions, stressed the importance of working hard from the first day, finishing the syllabus in advance and knowing your fundamentals well.

Muhammad Yusuf Cassim (Orient Islamic School), achieved 7 A’s despite facing immense pressure. He worked hard seven days a week with minimal breaks. According to him, consistency was crucial for success. “Now, it feels like there are no training wheels anymore. I am riding the bicycle by myself into the future, but it is exciting to become independent and develop a strong sense of self outside of school,” Cassim said. He is now preparing for life in med school.

Lenasia Muslim School and Al-Aqsa school were awarded ‘Top performing independent school’ in Gauteng.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml. Sulaaiman Ravat and a student from Qurtuba Academy here.