Andrea Naicker

The Class of 2023 will leave their schools as history makers, having achieved the highest pass rate since the dawn of our democracy. Whilst this is a grand celebration for the 82.9 percent of matriculants, those who may have missed the mark may feel discouraged.

There is however no need for despair as hope comes through government’s Second Chance Matric Programme. The programme offers matric learners who have not met the requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) a second chance to achieve the results they desire.

This year South Africans celebrated Reconciliation Day with greater excitement after being granted an additional public holiday, following the triumphant win of the Springboks during the Rugby World Cup.

This moment is even more remarkable given that rugby was once the sport of the white minority, but is now an integral part of our reconciliation efforts. Apart from sport, many cultural and national symbols such as our flag and national anthem have now come to symbolise our national unity and our strength in diversity.