By: Lungile Simakade, District Manager, Western Cape
IkamvaYouth is thrilled to honor the exceptional achievements of our learners in the Western Cape for the Matric Class of 2024! This year’s results not only reflect the hard work and determination of our learners but also underscore the significant role played by our dedicated tutors and staff who have guided them throughout their academic journey.
The unwavering commitment of our volunteer tutors has been crucial in fostering an environment of support and encouragement at branches. We are also immensely grateful for the invaluable contributions of our partners, funders, parents, and all our stakeholders, whose support has been instrumental in empowering our learners to reach their goals. Together, we have created a community that nurtures talent, resilience, and a strong work ethic, leading to these remarkable results.
We are very thrilled to report a 3% increase in our National pass rate from 90% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. There is also a 6% increase in the Bachelor Passes for the Western Cape (from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024) and Western Cape region achieved a sterling 93% pass rate for the class of 2024. This improvement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved, and we are grateful for the strides made in supporting our learners to achieve even more!
Our learners have consistently demonstrated progress and resilience, achieving remarkable improvements in their academic outcomes over the years. This sustained growth highlights the effectiveness of IkamvaYouth’s tutoring model, the dedication of our tutors, and the commitment of our learners to achieving their dreams.
In 2022, the Western Cape branches achieved an average pass rate of 79%, with 68% of learners eligible for tertiary education. These results set a high standard for excellence, with the Kuyasa branch leading the way by achieving an outstanding 95% pass rate. The Atlantis branch also delivered exceptional performance, with 87% of learners passing their Matric exams in that year.
Fast forward to 2024, we are very thrilled to report a 4% increase in our National pass rate from 89% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. There is also a 6% increase in the Bachelor Passes for the Western Cape (from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024) and the region achieved a sterling 93% pass rate for the class of 2024. This improvement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone from our team and stakeholders, and we are grateful for the strides made in supporting our learners to achieve even more. 
The success of our learners is a collective achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our broader IkamvaYouth community. At the heart of this success lies the dedication and generosity of our tutors, partners, funders, and parents. Their contributions have played an instrumental role in transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Our partners and funders have been the cornerstone of our ability to sustain and expand our impact. Through investing in IkamvaYouth, they have enabled us to provide high-quality educational support to learners in under-resourced communities. Their contributions empower us to deliver effective programs that address the unique challenges faced by these learners, paving the way for academic success and brighter futures. Without their steadfast commitment, many of our achievements would not have been possible.
Equally important are the contributions of parents and guardians, whose belief in IkamvaYouth and unwavering support for their children inspire them to reach for greatness. The encouragement and trust of parents create an environment of motivation and resilience to us, and give learners the confidence to persevere and excel. This partnership between families and IkamvaYouth is a critical factor in the ongoing success of our programmes.
Our sponsors have also played a vital role in creating opportunities for our learners. Through their generosity, we are able to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure no learner is left behind. From funding educational materials and securing venues to supporting special programs, our sponsors ensure that learners have everything they need to succeed. Their contributions go beyond financial support—they are investments in the potential and dreams of each learner.
We are profoundly grateful to every individual and organization that continues to invest in IkamvaYouth’s vision of empowering young people to create sustainable livelihoods. Together, we celebrate not only the achievements of today but also the promise of a brighter, more empowered future. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey and for believing in the power of education to transform lives.
Lloyd Lungu