Record number of Mpumalanga matrics pass in 2015
Hoërskool Nelspruit was named the best-performing school in the province for the 10th year running.
MBOMBELA – Wednesday was a joyous day for 2015’s grade 12 learners when they received their final results.
Nationwide, and in Mpumalanga, the number of newly matriculated learners has increased, with the province boasting it highest number ever – 43 229.
However, nationally the percentage pass rate has dropped to 70,7 per cent, down from 75,8 per cent in 2014. The pass rate of Mpumalanga’s matric class of 2015 showed a decline of 0,4 per cent to 78,6 per cent.
MEC for education Ms Reginah Mhaule said at the announcement of the 2015 results, at Izimbali Boarding School in Amsterdam, that the decline was a wake-up call.
“(It is a call for us) not to be complacent in our quest to deliver quality education in the province. What is encouraging is that all our districts are performing above 72 per cent and are above the national average.”
Ehlanzeni again recorded the highest pass rate with 82,4 per cent, followed by Nkangala with 81,7 per cent (up from 78,9 per cent), Bohlabela with 76,7 per cent, and Gert Sibande with 72,6 per cent (down from 77,2 per cent in 2014).
Of Mpumalanga’s 545 schools, 24 obtained a 100 per cent pass rate.
Hoërskool Nelspruit (NHS) was named the best-performing school in the province for the 10th year running.
Principal Dr Louis Swanepoel explained that the school was still awarded top school even when they had a pupil fail in 2011, on the basis of its high bachelor’s passes. That year aside, the school has had a 100 per cent pass rate since 2005.
In 2015, it passed all its 251 grade 12 learners and obtained the most distinctions of any school with a total of 432. The school also obtained the highest number of bachelor passes, namely 213.
Swanepoel said the school could not have asked for a better start to the 2016 school year.
“The success of the school’s grade 12 results over the years resides in the absolute dedication, passion and willingness of motivated and unwavering educators to go the extra mile.
“Thank you to the learners and parents who have trusted us with this recipe for success over the years. To the matriculants of 2015, congratulations, we honour you.”
According to the Department of Education NHS was the only school which passed more than 100 learners at 50 per cent and more in mathematics.
Province-wide 1 391 more learners passed mathematics and 2 060 more physical science than in 2014.
The Lowveld boasts three learners among Mpumalanga’s top 10 students.
Mignon Black of Hoërskool Lydenburg had the third best results, Nolwazi Mkhatshwa of Njeyeza High School in Malalane seventh and Suprise Dineko of Shobiyana High School in Acornhoek 10th.
Yet the MEC noted that 70 schools are “still trapped” in obtaining below 60 per cent pass rates.
Ms Jane Sithole, the DA in Mpumalanga’s spokesman on education, said it was concerning that, despite Mhaule repeatedly committing herself to supporting underperforming schools, the number has more than doubled from 32 in 2014.
“It is also a sad reality that the mathematic pass rate in Mpumalanga has declined. A decreasing pass rate is a bitter pill to swallow for thousands of matric learners with high hopes for their future.”
Education minister Angie Motshekga said that although the national percentage in the pass rate had dropped, bachelor passes in poorer schools had significantly improved.
The National Education Collaboration Trust said they we are impressed with the increase in the overall number of passes, mathematics and science passes, bachelors and distinctions.
Parliament’s portfolio committee on basic education called for a concerted effort to improve results this year.
Committee chairman Ms Nomalungelo Gina said the drop in the pass rate “caught everyone by surprise”.
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Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) congratulated the teachers, parents and other role-players who contributed.
“Completing your school career successfully is no mean feat.
“Some of these young people did so despite extremely difficult circumstances.
“This speaks to their character and the value they can bring to any work force,” said Fedsas CEO Mr Paul Colditz.
Mpumalanga Premier Mr David Mabuza encouraged matriculants to enrol at the University of Mpumalanga where courses on offer will be expanded this academic year.
He extended his appreciation for “the efforts of all our learners, parents, teachers, government officials, organisations and other persons who have contributed to the success of these grade 12 learners.”
The provincial government has set aside R104 million towards bursaries for 2016/17.
The supplementary examinations will take place from February 10 to March 17.
