Media Release
Minister of Education Donald Grant
Western Cape

14 May, 2014

Minister Grant: Supplementary examinations - Increases in the numbers and quality of passes.

Statement by Minister Donald Grant, Minister of Education

I am pleased to confirm that after the supplementary exams written in February 2014 over 600 additional candidates in the 2013 National Senior Certificate have now passed their NSC.

One of the Western Cape's three main strategic objectives in education is to ensure that as many learners as possible have the opportunity to write and pass their National Senior Certificate.

Some learners achieve a NSC pass through the October/November NSC examinations. Other learners, who have failed a maximum of two subjects or who were medically unfit during the examinations, are given a second chance to complete their NSC requirements by writing supplementary examinations.

I am therefore delighted that a total of 651 more learners have passed the NSC since the release of the November results, bringing the total number of passes to 41 209. This represents a cumulative pass rate of 86.5% for the 2013 NSC.

Congratulations to all these candidates who passed.

The Western Cape Government has, however, repeatedly made it clear that the number, and quality, of passes in the NSC examinations is more important than the percentage pass rate as is it as a far more accurate reflection of the health and progress of the system.

I am therefore delighted that these results reflect that more learners are being retained within the system and are passing the NSC examinations than ever before.

If we consider the combined figures (2013 NSC and 2013 Supplementary results), the Western Cape has a retention rate of 56.2% in 2013 compared to a national average of 43%. It also indicates that the Western Cape has the highest retention rate in the country. (Retention is gauged by looking at the number of learners who were enrolled in Grade 10 and how many passed the NSC three years later.)

We are also pleased that the number of bachelor passes increased from 19 477 to 19 704 - an increase of 227. Furthermore, the percentage of mathematics passes increased from 73.3% to 73.7% and Physical Science from 72.6% to 73.7%.

While we welcome these increases, we have to ensure further retention in Grades 10 to 12, and more matric passes with good results.

We will continue to implement strategies aimed at achieving this goal.

The 2013 Supplementary Examination results have been posted to candidates. However, those who have yet to receive their results can also contact the WCED certification/examinations division to obtain their results by phoning 021 467 2300 or by emailing Errol.Riddles@westerncape.gov.za or Shane.Martin@westerncape.gov.za

Candidates can also visit the Examinations Walk in Centre - 2^nd Floor Grand Central Building, Cape Town.

Please have your examination number at hand when making these enquiries.

Media enquiries:
Bronagh Casey
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Donald Grant
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 021 467 2377
Fax: 072 425 3616