Gwarube and Mhaule praise top matrix entrepreneurs for their resilience

“You are the greatest achievers of the class of 2024. This journey has not been easy. Many of you began your high school career in 2020, during the year of Covid-19.

“Schools have been closed, traditional learning methods have been disrupted, and resources have been limited. Yet despite these obstacles, you persevered.”

This is what the minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube, told 39 of SA's top matrix entrepreneurs this morning.

Both Gwarube and Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule commended the students for their resilience and perseverance in overcoming challenges to reach the pinnacle of success.

Reflecting on the journey of those enrolled, Gwarube emphasized their determination in the face of uncertainty.

“I want to take you back to four and a half years ago, when Covid-19 hit and how petrified we all were. However, you entered high school in the middle of it all and demonstrated that challenges are not obstacles, but stepping stones to greatness.”

She announced that the department has adopted the protea flower as the theme for this year's matric results, calling it a symbol of resilience.