Celebrating Triumph: IkamvaYouth Class of 2024 Soars!

By Nicola-Ann Jukes, Business Development Manager

Tuesday was an exciting day for us at IkamvaYouth. It was Matric Day for the class of 2024. Emotions ran high as our matric learners returned to the IkamvaYouth branches, which had been a home away from home for many learners, to share their results. 

Nationally, the Department of Basic Education saw an increase in the national matric passes, with 87.3% of learners passing matric (up from 82.9% in 2023). The highest national pass rate in the history of our country. On a similar note the number of bachelor passes also increased by 6.9 percentage points, to 47.8%. Whilst this is no doubt an achievement for the DBE, and the matric class of 2024, we know that there are still a multitude of challenges facing young people within the education system. It is well known that approximately only 50% of matrics made it through the education system from Grade 1 to write matric.

The IkamvaYouth class of 2024 achieved a remarkable 93% pass rate, defying the odds amidst a challenging educational landscape. Beyond passing matric, we prioritise quality passes. We are proud that 63% achieved a bachelor pass and 22% achieved a diploma pass  (85% tertiary eligibility passes), opening doors to higher education. Our dedicated branch staff and volunteers will continue to provide support to ensure a smooth transition for our learners into their chosen paths. We will report on our placement rate later on in the year.

“I joined the IkamvaYouth programme in 2022 while in grade 10. I found the tutoring sessions and career guidance very helpful, because of Ikamva’s help,  I passed matric with a bachelor’s pass and received 3 distinctions. I also plan on going to university next year”. – Wana Thulisiwe, IkamvaYouth 2024 Matriculant, Kuyasa Branch

Regional Highlights: Celebrating Excellence Across the Board

• Gauteng and North West: There are 6 IkamvaYouth branches in GP and NW. The IkamvaYouth Gauteng region achieved a phenomenal 94% pass rate with 85% being eligible for tertiary education,with 62% of these passes being bachelor passes.  The top performing branch in this region was the Diepsloot Branch which achieved a 98% pass rate, with 97% of learners achieving passes that allow for tertiary eligibility. 86% of the learners at the Diepsloot Branch achieved bachelor passes.  The IkamvaYouth North West region achieved a phenomenal 93% pass rate with 75% of learners being eligible for tertiary education ( 47% bachelor passes). 
• Western Cape: The birthplace of IkamvaYouth, with 6 branches in this region. This region achieved a 93% pass rate,  86% of learners being eligible for tertiary education, with 68% of these passes being bachelor passes. The top performing branch in this region was the Gugulethu Branch which achieved a 97% pass rate, with 93% of learners achieving passes that allow for tertiary eligibility, (78%  bachelor passes). 
• KwaZulu-Natal/Eastern Cape: This region consists of three branches. The IkamvaYouth KwaZulu Natal branches achieved an impressive 94% pass rate, with 88% of learners being eligible for tertiary education, with 69% of these passes being bachelor passes. The top performing branch in this region was the Chesterville Branch which achieved a 97% pass rate, with 97% of learners achieving passes that allow for tertiary eligibility (87% bachelor passes). The Joza branch (Eastern Cape) achieved a 88% pass rate and 84% of learners being eligible for tertiary education, with 58% of these passes being bachelor passes.

These results are not a one-time feat. We’ve witnessed a steady achievement in our programme’s success since inception. We are constantly refining our model to ensure our learners receive the best possible support.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated  volunteer tutors, many of whom are balancing studies or jobs with their commitment to our learners. We would also like to extend our thanks to our donors and supporters. Without your support and donations we would not be able to reach learners in need. We are extremely grateful to each and every one of you. 

“Joining IkamvaYouth meant that I became part of a family and Interacted with other tutors who are equally passionate about making a difference. As a tutor, I get to touch the lives of learners from disadvantaged communities, become a role model, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their goals. One of which is passing matric and going on to university and other opportunities” – Zanele Malaza, IkamvaYouth Tutor, Mahikeng Branch

Our CEO, Hope Chidawanyika, acknowledges the collective effort behind this success: “These results are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our learners and the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers. Despite facing numerous challenges, our learners have demonstrated incredible resilience and achieved outstanding results. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.” 

To our incredible learners: these results are a testament to your hard work and perseverance. See this as a stepping stone to a brighter future for yourselves, your families, and your communities. Congratulations, Ikamvanites! We are excited to see you succeed as you move forward on your chosen paths!