Speaking at the occasion of the Sasol Awards Ceremony this afternoon in Secunda , MEC Majuba confirmed that the support from SASOL is beginning to yeald the expected results and he said :
"We are grateful to be in the company of the best of the best, the shining stars of both Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni Districts which are geographically placed in the area covered by your pipe line.
At the occasion of the Announcement of the 2023 National Senior Certificate Examination Results, we stated that Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Districts have impressively improved their outcomes.
To be precise, Ehlanzeni District recorded an 81.8% pass rate which is an improvement of 5.6% compared to the 76.2% obtained in 2022 and
Gert Sibande District registered a 79.8% pass rate which is a 2.1 % improvement compared to the 77.7% pass rate obtained in 2022.
Both these districts which SASOL supports recorded results which are above the Provincial Average and thus a signal that shows some return on investment.
I also noticed that seven learners who were in the Provincial Top Ten List including the Provincial overall best learner are from these two districts.
Indeed, this is a clear demonstration that where SASOL administers, excellence is guaranteed.
It is based on this context, that we saw it necessary that we came in our numbers this afternoon, to extend our sincere and profound appreciation to the visionary leadership of SASOL in support of our vision as well as for the support to our schools.
Your patriotic gesture has enabled us and our learners most of whom are in this gathering to be recognized and appreciated by everyone in our Province.
Program Director, the 2023 cohort of learners are appreciated for their tenacity, resilience and the courage which was displayed by this class over their years of schooling.
They defied all odd and rose to the occasion in more ways than one, and in a manner that advocates for a promising future for our Province.
It is for this reason that this afternoon is a celebration of the outstanding performance of these extraordinary learners who eliminated our path with their unwavering spirit and boundless passion for success against all odds.
Indeed, we are here to recognize their unfaltering efforts to go the extra mile, not for glory, but for the pure joy of making a difference in every space.
Program Director, the recipients here exemplify the finest traits of education excellence and are typical true role models, paving the way for others to walk in their light.
We are grateful to you, SASOL for recognizing and acknowledging this outstanding learners and parading them for the world to marvel their tenacity and academic prowess.
We are encouraged by the fact that as SASOL, you opted on your own volition to fully support the Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena Campaign which is an endeavor to create conditions that are favorable for learning and teaching in the Province.
We are also encouraged by the fact that this time around, the Province has improved the Mathematics results from the 52.8% registered in 2022 to 58.0% in 2023.
Technical Mathematics improved from 81.6% in 2022 to 92.0% in 2023.
Physical Science improved from 68.1% in 2022 to 68.4 % in 2023 and Technical Sciences improved from 93.8% in 2022 to 95.3 % in 2023.
These are subjects which enjoy the support of SASOL and again you will agree with us that your investments are yielding the expected results.
We also wish to pledge our support towards the success of the 2024 Techno X.
The Head: Education has graced this occasion to enable you to engage with her on how best can we make the 2024 Techno X better and more impactful.
Our view is that Mpumalanga Province must lead from the front by increasing the numbers of learners who participate in these STEM subjects.
It is for this reason that we are intensifying efforts to improve the capacity of the OR Tambo Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy.
In fact, we wish to extend an invitation to the leadership of SASOL to visit the Academy in Emalahleni any time soon for us to showcase what has been done already and to forge areas of interest.
On this note, let me pause by extending our gratitude to teachers, parents, non-teaching staff, educator unions and to every person and institution that made this day possible and a success.
These learners we are celebrating here, are truly our bundle of joy.
Just like Bafana Bafana performing in the African Cup of Nations they made us feel good to be South Africans.
Go out there my children and shine like the brightest starts, be our torch bearers and continue to brighten every corner where you are.
Your parents, teachers and the whole of Mpumalanga are fully behind you and we are confident that you will make it at Institutions of Higher Learning.
Remember that this event is a symbol of all our support to you, courtesy of SASOL which sends a vivid message that we want you to succeed.
Great learners and the sharp minds of the province, please keep the Mpumalanga flag flying high and ensure that you pass your degrees cum laude.
We are really proud of you and we truly love you."