25 January 2008, Birchwood Hotel Conference Centre, Boksburg
Programme Director
Members of the Executive Council
Members of the Provincial Legislature (Members of the Standing Committee in particular
Friends from the business sector (ABSA, Acelormittal Steel, Birchwood Hotel, EDCON, Miskew Miller, Shereno Printers and Vimba Security
The HOD and staff of the department
Parents and learners
Our partners, Parents Bodies, Teacher Organisations & Officials from the Department
Honourable guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It's that joyous time of the year again when we gather to celebrate the success of our children who have not only finished school but have also done it in style!! It is that rare occasion of the year when parents, learners, education officials, other stakeholders and well-wishers rub shoulders and congratulate our children (even ourselves for the support) on a job well done.
On the 28th of December 2007 when the matric results were announced at the WITS School of Education there was a great deal of anxiety born of the anticipation of the unknown!! Today's occasion, in contrast, is more relaxed because we are recognizing the special achievements of our children.
To our learners you are our honoured guests today and have every reason to feel on top of the world because you deserve it. You are reaping the fruit of a year, or even many years of preparation before it, of hard work. You are being singled out for special honour because you did not only pass Matric but went the extra mile and did the job exceptionally well. You are part of the Class of 2007 that did us proud.
You should also appreciate the great responsibility your talents places on you. You are clearly the best of the best and therefore nothing less is expected of you. In your conduct and future performances. Not only is your family expecting great things from you but this country too. It is amongst you that we expect to get our future professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and captains of industry. Where we as this generation fall short you should come to take things high and I am sure you won't let yourselves down, your families and the nation. You will grow to be responsible adults and true patriots who at all times will endeavour to fly this countries flag high.
Even though we did not achieve our target of 80%, we are nonetheless proud of the Class of 2007 because you achieved what you did under very trying circumstances (i.e. Public Servants' Industrial Action). The 74.6% that we obtained this year indicates our resolve not to compromise on quality. The quality of the results remains very pleasing indeed. We have had an increase in the number of learners who passed this year; 63287 as compared to 57340 in 2006. 298 more learners obtained a Matriculation exemption in 2007.
I am especially proud that the majority of the recipients of the awards this evening are girls. It confirms that our deliberate affirmation of girl learners is proving successful. Our boy learners are not far behind. Our dear boys, the girls are pushing you to work harder; to ensure that you do not become complacent.
Our criteria for the awards are The Five Quintiles which take into cognizance such issues as economic and socio-historical contexts of our schools, different abilities of learners and gender balance. Ladies and gentlemen please join me in congratulating and presenting awards to the following learners:
PRESENTATIONS: ( Refer to accompanying document)
CATEGORY WINNERS
The categories are :
CONCLUSION
My sincere gratitude goes to the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Mbhazima Shilowa for his continued support as well as my fellow MECs in the Executive, the HOD, Mr MaLlele PeTje, the entire Examination Unit Staff, my office as well as my family for their understanding and more important my husband for the support.
I thank you and wish all learners leaving schooling the best in their future endeavours, those afforded the second chance to take the opportunity and the rest of you compliments for the 2008. Again your families, the country and the world are waiting for you.
I thank you.