By: Ntombi Mahlangu, District Manager, Gauteng and The North West
For the past 21 years, IkamvaYouth has steadily improved its National Senior Certificate pass rate, growing from 80% to over 92.3%. The 2024 matric class has maintained this upward momentum and taken it to new heights.
Our learners are expressing heartfelt gratitude and joy as they celebrate their matric results. See their words below:
Neo, the top performing learner in 2024 from Ikageng branch, says that: “I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to IkamvaYouth for their invaluable support and contribution to my academic success. Developing discipline and dedication wasn’t easy, but with their guidance, I persevered and achieved my goals. Notably, I struggled with Business Studies, but thanks to the tireless efforts of the tutors and staff, I ultimately earned a distinction in the subject. Their unwavering support has made my dream of attending university a reality, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
Palesa Ditshego, 2024 top performing Matriculant from Mamelodi branch says: When I first joined IkamvaYouth in Grade 9, I was welcomed with love and support. Since then, I have witnessed the incredible impact it has had on my academics. As a 2024 matriculant, the unwavering support and dedication from tutors have been instrumental in my success in passing matric. Now, as I spread my wings and take flight, I know that the foundation built at IkamvaYouth will remain with me forever, guiding me toward greatness. The future is truly in our hands.”
IkamvaYouth’s national matric pass rate in 2023 was 89.4%, the highest in its history, but 2024 has surpassed that milestone with a record-breaking achievement.
Ntombi Mahlangu, Gauteng & North West District Manager emphasized that while the matric pass rate is a critical indicator, it reflects broader programmatic success:”Our afterschool support programs—life skills, career guidance, mentorship, leadership, and academic support—are instrumental in shaping our learners’ success. This balanced approach, combined with the efforts of our donors, staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and parents, ensures our learners receive the support they need to thrive”.
See the branch performance for 2024:
- Diepsloot: 98% (65 distinctions)
- Ivory Park: 94% (32 distinctions)
- Mahikeng: 93% (16 distinctions)
- Mamelodi: 93% (15 distinctions)
- Ikageng: 93% (5 distinctions)
- Ebony Park: 90% (20 distinctions)
The region achieved 80% Bachelor’s and Diploma passes, an 8% increase from 2023’s 72%. Learners in the Gauteng and North West branches earned a total of 153 distinctions, showcasing academic excellence across the school subjects as Mathematics, Science, Geography among others.
We as IkamvaYouth remain committed to placing all 2024 matric learners in post-matric institutions. This includes tertiary education, learnerships, employment, skills training, fellowships, and supplementary or upgrading programs. Each learner applied to a minimum of three placement opportunities in 2023, ensuring a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Michael, Branch Coordinator at our Ebony Park, expressed his gratitude, saying, “A special thank you goes to our teachers for keeping us informed about learner participation in the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) sessions so we can supplement accordingly their needs following the school curriculum. We also deeply appreciate our tutors, who gave their time during the March Holiday Programme, Winter School, Spring Academic, Bootcamps, and January Summer Holiday Programs, as well as in-person and virtual sessions, to provide consistent academic support to learners.”
Looking ahead as IkamvaYouth continues to produce successful matric cohorts, we are proud to welcome back our alumni as key stakeholders. Their commitment to the value of “paying it forward” ensures the sustainability of the work we do.
“These matric achievements prove that with hard work and perseverance, excellence is within reach. To the class of 2024, today we celebrate not just marks on paper, but the strong foundation you’ve built for tomorrow’s success.”
– Lebogang Ramakatsa, Tutor in Mahikeng Branch
Congratulations to the matric class of 2024, and we wish them the best as they embark on the next chapter of their journey!
Lloyd Lungu