LIMPOPO – The 2024 Maruleng Matric Awards celebrated the achievements of teachers and learners from Hoedspruit and surrounding areas at a ceremony held at the Radisson Hotel on Thursday, January 15.

The event highlighted the dedication and resilience of the Class of 2024, who achieved an 88.15% pass rate within the Maruleng municipal area.

Maruleng Mayor Tsheko Musolwa praised the exceptional performance, noting the region’s significant progress. “We have been chronic underperformers in the district, so for schools like Lepono High School to achieve a 100% pass rate is remarkable,” he said.

Calais High School and Ngwana Makhutswe High School also obtained a 100% pass rate.

Musolwa further acknowledged the challenges faced by the class of 2024. “We should remember that this group began high school during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Mopani West Education District director Phillipine Modika commended the district’s strong performance, noting that Mopani West remains one of the top-performing districts in Limpopo. “Last year, Mopani West was the best out of 10 school districts in the province. This year, with an 87.2% pass rate, we are in second position, just behind Mokgalakwena, which achieved 87.8% with 4 973 learners. Mopani West, by comparison, registered 8 916 learners,” Modika explained.

In Maruleng, the Mokhutswe Circuit achieved a 91.9% pass rate, while Lepelle 4 Circuit recorded an 84.4% pass rate, with both circuits showing improvement from the previous year.

The ceremony also honoured individual learners for their academic excellence. Among the award recipients were Kamogelo Mashumo, Lethabo Mathaba, Cilliers Coetzee, Modupi Mamabolo and Future Seotlo.