Johannesburg - Fedsas on Tuesday congratulated the Free State after it scooped the 2013 matric pass rate top spot with 87.4 percent.
“It's a relatively poor province, but pride and enthusiasm made the difference,” said Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools CEO Paul Colditz.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced a 78.2 percent pass rate for the 2013 matric class on Monday.
In 2009, when Motshekga took over as minister, the pass rate was 60.6 percent. It has climbed steadily since then.
The Free State and North West became the first and second-best performing provinces in the country.
The Free State increased its pass rate from 81.1 percent in 2012 to 87.4 in 2013.
The North West improved from 79.5 percent to 87.2 percent.
Colditz said the matric examination was not the only measure of success.
“A pleasant surprise with this year's matric results is the increase in the number of learners that meet the requirements to study at higher education institutions,” he said in a statement.
“Learners, schools and departments should be commended in this regard… Fedsas wishes the successful matriculants of 2013 all the best with their future plans.” - Sapa