Pretoria - The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Executive Chairperson, Yershen Pillay, has congratulated the matric class of 2014 on the 75.8% pass rate.
In his message on Tuesday, Pillay emphasised the role of education in job creation for young people in South Africa.
"Now that 75.8% of the class of 2014 have done their part and obtained that important matric certificate, the task of creating opportunities for them to study further or gain decent and meaningful employment becomes an apex priority," he said.
The NYDA commended the matric class of 2014 for achieving the 75.8% pass under the new Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
It also congratulated the Department of Basic Education and all educators, who were instrumental in preparing learners for their National Senior Certificate exams.
“We encourage all disadvantaged learners with exceptional results to apply for the NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship,” said Pillay.
He said more opportunities must be created for those who failed to be given a second chance to rewrite their examinations, while those who have passed must be encouraged to study further.
Pillay urged both the public and private sector to work together in ensuring that the majority of those who passed from the class of 2014 do not land up on the streets.
“We commend the significant increases in Mathematics and Physical Sciences of 53% and 61% respectively, up from 47% in 2010. We hope many of these young people will take up opportunities to study further as artisans, engineers or any one of the scarce skills.
“To all the young learners who are about to embark on a brand new journey of tertiary education or employment, be assured … the government of South Africa [is] fully behind you and will try [its] utmost to support your future endeavours,” said Pillay.
Pillay encouraged learners who did pass their NSC exams to enrol in the NYDA Second Chance Matric Rewrite Programme for free matric revision and an opportunity to rewrite their matric exams and achieve their full potential during 2015.
Applications for the Second Chance Matric Rewrite Programme close on 20 February 2015.
Learners who want to apply for the NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship must note that application close on 15 January 2014 and can be made directly to institutions of higher learning. - SAnews.gov.za
