Though the pass rate decreased by a 2.3% but the province raised the number of distinctions it produced.
A number of 48 483 pupils wrote their Matric exams in the year 2017 and 36 273 passed.
This is a 74.8% pass rate but it decreased compared to 2016’s 77.1%.
Education MEC Regina Mhaule announced the results in Leroro, near Bushbuckridge on Friday morning and said as government they are encouraged by the rise in the number of pupils who passed with distinctions and passed with minimum varsity entry scores.
From 8 084 pupils who passed with distinctions in 2016 to 8 941 in 2017, the province has added 857 more distinctions.
Anza Tshipetane, the top Achiever in Quintile 4 Schools, was the president of the SRC at Mbilwi during 2017. She also represented South Africa in the 53rd Science Olympiad in London. #MatricResults2017 pic.twitter.com/ZFPaCSn9iX
— Mbilwi Senior Secondary School (@MbilwiSecSchool) January 4, 2018
Of the four districts of Mpumalanga, Ehlanzeni recorded the highest pass rate, at 76.8% and followed by Gert Sibande, with 76.5%.
Nkangala received a 73.5% pass rate and Bohlabela 72.4%.
SEE ALSO: Mpumalanga pass rate down by 2.3%
Hoërskool Nelspruit in Mbombela obtained the most distinctions – with 295 pupils passing with distinctions and Hlelimfundo Secondary School in Volkrust, near Ermelo being the most improved school – from 64.4% in 2016 to 86, 5% in 2017.
“We wish to reiterate our position that we don’t expect any school to perform below 70% going forward,” Mhaule said at the Word of Life Church.
“We should, for the sake of our children, hold each other accountable for this performance,” she said.
Thaba Chweu is the municipality with the highest pass rate in the province, 87.5% and with Mkhondo making a 10.6% improvement after obtaining 76.7% in 2017 against 2016’s 66.1%.
Minister Motshekga and Deputy Minister Surty engaged with #NSCExams2017 top learners before #MatricResults2017 are announced this evening pic.twitter.com/1FNqY2lIl6
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) January 4, 2018
“It is our desire that every learner who is in our system makes the mark at the end of 12 years of schooling,” the MEC said.
“It is worrisome to note that there are 12 210 candidates who did not make it this time around.
“The good thing is that there are numerous opportunities that these learners must take advantage of so that at the end of it all they get what is due to them. I request our principals to make it their obligation to advice these learners accordingly.
“At the same time I urge families and communities not to put undue pressure on these learners. They deserve our full support,” she said.
(edited by MLM)
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