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The Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Gerald Morkel, says he is elated by the 80,6% matric pass rate announced by his Provincial Minister of Education this morning.

"The results places the cherry on the cake of an excellent year which saw the province excel in a variety of fields ranging from best managed province to the province doing the most to solve the unemployment problem.

"What makes the results more remarkable is the fact that they were achieved amidst very difficult circumstances. The devastating fires which gutted many houses, the transport violence which left several pupils, drivers and parents dead are but a few examples of what our people had to cope with. It speaks volumes for the dedication of our educational corps as well as for the pupils and parents and proves what I have been saying all along: our people are our biggest asset.

"It is also a clear indication that my repeated appeal for the rebirth of a provincial pride has not fallen on deaf ears. When more than 20% of our schools achieve a 100% pass rate and more than 40% get a 90% and higher pass rate, it is certainly something to be proud of.

"I wish to express my sincere thanks to Minister Helen Zille, her management staff, our teachers, our pupils and their parents for their commitment and discipline. You have done us proud! We must now strive to maintain and improve on these excellent results in order to further realise our provincial policy objective of preparing the people of the Western Cape for the knowledge economy of the 21st Century."

Issued by: Chris Koole (082) 774 3462

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