By Johnathan Paoli
The Free State once again emerged as South Africa’s top-performing province in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, marking the sixth consecutive year it has claimed the top spot.
Education MEC Julia Maboya expressed immense pride in a media briefing after the provincial release of the NSC results at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
“We have always surpassed our targets. As a province we are really proud of learners, teachers, parents, SGBs and teacher unions. I think it is in this province that we have demonstrated that education is a societal matter,” Maboya said.
The MEC attributed this success to relentless hard work, strategic planning and community involvement.
Maboya praised the feat as remarkable given the province’s socio-economic challenges, but pridefully stressed the Free State’s determination.
“We are investing in our people through education. That is the best thing we can do for our people because we happen to be one of those poor provinces,” she said.
The Free State achieved an impressive 91% pass rate, a marked improvement from the 89.1% recorded in 2023, with key achievements including a notable increase in quality passes.
In addition, 48.2% of learners earned bachelor passes and 30% achieved diploma passes, reflecting consistent improvement in high-grade results since 2020.
A total of 17,486 learners qualified for university studies, 10,889 for diploma programmes, and 4,621 for higher certificates, underscoring the depth and diversity of academic success across the province.
Four of the Free State’s districts ranked among the top 10 nationally out of 77 districts, with Fezile Dabi District achieving a remarkable 93.5% pass rate, the second highest in the country.
Other high-performing districts include Motheo, Xhariep and Thabo Mofutsanyana, demonstrating the province’s regional strength in education.
Among the 355 schools in the province, 67 achieved a 100% pass rate, and 232 exceeded a 90% pass rate.
The province’s focus on Mathematics and science education also yielded exceptional results, with Mookodi Secondary School in Thabo Mofutsanyana District being named the best school in these subjects, achieving a 97% pass rate in both.
Maboya said the Free State’s consistent advancements in quality outcomes and district level achievements highlighted its leading role in South Africa’s education landscape.
Fezile Dabi District Director Vusi Chuta said the accomplishment reflected the district’s dedication to quality education and its transformative impact.
He stressed the drivers of success in the district including initiatives like Saturday classes, after-school programmes, and holiday revision sessions focusing on critical subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting, supporting high-risk learners.
The district also focused on fostering teamwork among educators, principals and school governing bodies, enhancing teaching quality through regular workshops and training, with the district officials actively involving parents and community stakeholders to ensure holistic learner support.
Additionally, Chuta said the district prioritised foundational literacy and numeracy, preparing learners to excel in senior grades and celebrating achievements of learners and schools by cultivating motivation and healthy competition.
Approximately 67% of Bachelor passes came from Quintile 1 to 3 schools, showcasing the district’s commitment to equity and inclusivity, with many regarding Fezile Dabi’s success as integral to the Free State’s overall 91.0% pass rate.
Despite its success, Chuta said the district aimed to address challenges like declining participation in gateway subjects.
He said the district’s commitment to sustained excellence would ensure it remained a model of educational achievement in South Africa.
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