Officials say the decline is due to service delivery protests that interrupted classes recently.
Results for the class of 2017 have been announced.
The province dropped to 74.8% from 2016’s 77.1%.
The best learner in Mpumalanga is Thalenta Ngobeni from Tintswalo in Bushbuckridge.
Education MEC Regina Mhaule announced the results on Friday morning in Leroro, near Bushbuckridge.
READ: ’Don’t interrupt learners!’ Angry Mabuza lashes out at Marite parents
She said protests for government to fix roads had an impact on the decline, a 2.3%.
“What is important is for these youngsters to be well trained so that they can come back and fix the roads one day,” she said.
Nationally, the Matric class of 2017 achieved a pass rate of 75.1%‚ an increase of 2.6% compared to 2016’s 72.5%. In 2013, national results were at 78.2%.
(edited by MLM)
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