Fundi joined celebrations with the Class of 2024 across the country last week, as they gathered with their families, friends and teachers to laugh, cry, dance and plan for their remarkable futures ahead. With a record-high pass rate of 87.3% being achieved nationally, and over 615 000 learners passing the exams – the highest in South Africa’s history – stand-out students are being hero-ed and acknowledged at celebratory events hosted by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), across all provinces. Fundi was at the national event, sponsoring mall vouchers for top performers. These will be used by learners to give them a head-start as they step into the bright futures awaiting them.
South Africa celebrated the release of the 2024 matric results this week with critical improvements seen in the national pass rate, showcasing the commitment and dedication of the Class of 2024. “With the national pass rate rising to an all-time high of 87.3%, we need to acknowledge the exceptional hard work of learners, educators and stakeholders in the education sector – who have collectively made this possible,” says Mary Maponya, Fundi Executive Head: Lending.
She notes that the number of learners achieving Bachelor’s passes has reached a record level, further highlighting the strides made in improving the quality of education in South Africa. “This is particularly exciting news for us as Fundi, and we look forward to enabling many of these students’ further education dreams through our holistic solutions.”
Both Maponya and Mala Suriah, Fundi’s CEO, were in attendance at the national event held in Johannesburg. Fundi sponsored 39 mall vouchers for the top achievers. “We’re very mindful of the key factors contributing to holistic learner success,” Maponya explains. “These include having the right tools and equipment when you start your tertiary journey. Our role is to help as many students as possible to access their full potential – starting now. We are confident that the vouchers we have shared will give learners a hand-up and head-start.”
In her engagement with learners at the national event, Maponya recommended that these learners use the next few weeks to consolidate their plans and shape their next chapter: “If you haven’t connected with us yet to find out how we can help you on your journey, please do so. Our Fundiverse (www.fundi.co.za) has been designed to unlock everything you need as a student – from funding to accommodation, apps and data, all the way through to coaching and peer advice on our FundiConnect platform. Students needing bursaries should also visit our NPO, the Fundi Foundation, to see how we can potentially assist.”
As the Class of 2024 prepares to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys, South Africa as a collective looks forward to their contributions to building a brighter future for the nation. “At Fundi, we believe in celebrating excellence and encouraging learners to strive for greatness. The achievements of the Class of 2024 inspire us all, and we are proud to play a role in recognising their success. These young leaders hold our futures in their hands, and we are committed to supporting their educational journeys.”