In an impressive display of academic excellence, the Schools and Education Investment Impact Fund South Africa (SEIIFSA) proudly announces that its affiliated schools have surpassed national matriculation benchmarks, setting a new standard for quality education within the country's affordable market segment.
In the 2023 academic year, 1,682 learners from 17 SEIIFSA schools successfully participated in the matric examinations, achieving an overall pass rate of 94.6%—a notable increase from 92.8% in 2022.
The bachelor pass rate achieved was 55.4% in 2023, with the majority of SEIIFSA schools consistently having performed above the national average bachelor pass rate of 41.9%. This year, Royals Sky City and Queens Private School distinguished themselves with a 100% pass rate, showcasing the potential and effectiveness of the SEIIFSA educational model.
Three standout achievers within the SEIIFSA schools emerged as beacons of academic excellence. Khanibamba Ntshana led the way with an impressive aggregate of 90.43% from Meridian Rustenburg, followed closely by Natasha Matope from Meridian Cosmo with 87.29%, and Mzati Kagoli from Meridian Pinehurst rounding out the top three with 86.14%.
Reflecting on the achievements, Kelly Joshua, Head of Education Investing at Old Mutual Alternative Investments, shared, “Our schools have produced excellent results. The pass rates and bachelor passes surpass the national results in most schools. This success underscores our commitment to achieving academic excellence and ensuring our learners are well-equipped for university education and beyond.”
Joshua notes that in a nation where education is both a beacon of hope and a battleground for equality, the results level the playing field and contribute to the creation of a more equitable society.
Joshua said: “SEIIFSA is effectively laying the groundwork for a future workforce that is not only well-educated but also highly adaptable and skilled, ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. Moreover, by increasing access to quality education, SEIIFSA actively contributes to reducing social inequalities, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to unlock their full potential.”
Strategic interventions
Joshua points out that the success of SEIIFSA schools can be attributed to a series of strategic interventions addressing educational challenges and enhancing learning outcomes.
One such intervention was adopting Reflective Learning Technology, a program designed to identify and address gaps in students’ understanding of Mathematics and English. This initiative has been instrumental in tailoring personalised catch-up plans for learners, significantly contributing to improved results.
Furthermore, introducing an exam readiness program and implementing a whole school evaluation model is part of SEIIFSA’s holistic approach to education. These initiatives focus on preparing students for their final exams well in advance and assessing schools' performance beyond mere academic metrics.
Joshua elaborated on the strategic direction: “Through the roll-out of Reflective Learning, the exam readiness program, and comprehensive teacher training, we are optimistic about the future quality and competitiveness of our results.”
Looking ahead, SEIIFSA aims to continue enhancing educational quality in South Africa by focusing on critical performance metrics such as the number of learners pursuing tertiary education. This aligns with the Fund’s broader objectives of contributing to employment creation, gender equality, transformation, and environmental sustainability.