Limpopo matric pass rate improves to 86.1%
Limpopo's overall pass rate rose by 1.05% from last year, with all 10 districts achieving above 80% and 1 627 learners earning bachelor passes.
POLOKWANE – Limpopo’s 2025 matriculants recorded a slight improvement from their 2024 counterparts, in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, with the overall pass rate rising by 1.05% from last year to 86.1%.
The Education Department hailed the results as evidence of “Limpopo on the rise,” a phrase coined in 2024 after years of lower performance.
Top districts and circuits recognised
All 10 districts achieved pass rates above 80%, with Capricorn North district placing second at 87.9% from 8 785 candidates, behind Mogalakwena’s 90.9% (5 197 candidates) and just ahead of Mopani West with 87.8% (9 695 candidates).
In the circuits, Pietersburg (Capricorn South) took third place, while Malamulele Central (Vhembe East) topped the provincial circuit rankings.
A total of 42.6% of matriculants (1 627) achieved bachelor passes, qualifying them for university entrance.
The department officially announced the results on Tuesday at The Ranch Resort, with MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya congratulating learners on their achievements.
Among the top-performing teachers in gateway subjects, the following teachers from the local district were acknowledged:
• K.D. Mashalane from Taxila Combined Secondary School, who had 53 learners achieving 70% and above in business studies; and
• Rita Hageman and Corstiaan Vermaak from PHS, who had 61 learners achieving 70% or more in mathematical literacy.
• Christo Reynecke from PHS was announced as the top matriculant in computer applications technology, with an overall aggregate in this subject of 291 while Mankge Moagi from Capricorn
High School was the top learner in information technology, with an aggregate of 296.
Mixed reactions to results
The MEC praised the dedication of teachers, saying the results reflect the department’s investment in quality education. “The rider of a donkey is not impatient. Loosely put, we are defined by resilience and determination and are reaching our destination,” Ramakhanya said.
Opposition party Action SA was among the first to comment on the results. In a statement, they referred to the provincial outcome as a “hollow victory” and argued that the slight increase masks a deeper crisis in Limpopo’s education system.
The party expressed concern over stagnation compared to other provinces and highlighted the high number of learners dropping out between Gr 10 and 12.
