MPUMALANGA – Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane of Mpumalanga has called on communities and the education fraternity to continue supporting learners who did not succeed in the 2023 matric examination. Despite achieving a 77% pass rate, approximately 23.2% of learners did not pass the 2023 national senior certificate (NSC) examination, showing a 3.2% decrease from the 2022 failure rate. Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane assured those who did not pass that they would be given a second chance. During the results announcement ceremony in Mbombela a week ago, she said, “We will afford you a second chance. Let us encourage all those who could not make the grade to take advantage of the second chance programme.” She also urged parents and community members not to pressure or ridicule the learners, emphasizing the need for support. “We make a humble appeal to all our principals to provide the required and necessary support to these learners,” she added. Out of 479 no-fee schools in the province, eight achieved a 100% pass rate, while 220 schools scored above 80%, and 331 schools performed above 70%. MEC Bonakele Majuba expressed encouragement over this performance, stating, “We must continue to pay special attention and support all the no-fee paying schools to ensure sustainable improvement.” He highlighted concern for the 148 schools, constituting 30.8% of no-fee schools, that performed below 70%, resulting in 14,175 learners not meeting the required standard. Majuba echoed Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane’s call for communities to support learners seeking to supplement their education. “Our principals must lead from the front in this regard. No learner must be left behind,” he emphasized. A total of 21,819 learners passed with bachelor’s qualifications, while 17,412 achieved diplomas, allowing them to pursue further studies at the University of Mpumalanga or other universities in the country. MEC Majuba emphasized the quality of the results, stating, “It clearly confirms that we are presenting quality results in the true meaning of the word.” The Second Chance Matric Programme by the Department of Basic Education supports learners in rewriting subjects to meet the requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) and achieve a Grade 12 matric certificate. With face-to-face classes, online programs, and televised broadcasts, interested learners can register until 9 February 2024 by visiting circuit offices, accessing www.eservices.gov.za, or calling 0800202933 for assistance.
