EC MEC Shrugs Off Matric Results Criticism, Opens R52m School

INFRASTRUCTURE: Despite finishing last nationally in the 2025 matric results, Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade says the province will improve in 2026, as he and Premier Oscar Mabuyane unveiled a new R52 million high-tech school in Ngcobo that achieved a 93% pass-rate…

By  Siyabonga Kamnqa

Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade has brushed aside criticism over the province’s poor performance in the 2025 matric results, insisting that the department will improve outcomes this year.

The Eastern Cape recorded the lowest pass rate nationally at 84.17%, a slight decline from 84.98% in 2024, drawing sharp reactions from critics. But Gade appeared unfazed as he joined Premier Oscar Mabuyane and local leaders to hand over a newly built R52 million school in Bokleni village, Ngcobo, on January 14.

The state-of-the-art Sitoza Senior Secondary School is equipped with a science laboratory, computer lab, internet infrastructure and a backup borehole system. The school serves more than seven surrounding villages and enrolls over 1,400 learners annually.

In the 2025 matric results, Sitoza achieved a strong 93% pass rate, earning praise from provincial officials.

Asked about the province’s overall performance, Gade said while the results were disappointing, he remained proud of the Class of 2025 and confident of progress.

“Yes, indeed this wasn’t what we anticipated. It is quite disappointing that we didn’t do well in English and isiXhosa,” he said. “As far as Maths is concerned, it is a national challenge because achieving above 60% remains a huge challenge. But we will work hard this year to improve.”

Mabuyane echoed Gade’s sentiments, saying the province was encouraged by the results but acknowledged that improvement was needed. He also said the era of unsafe school infrastructure — including mud schools and children being taught under trees — was ending.

“Week in and week out we are delivering high-quality schools. This facility will encourage both learners and teachers to do well,” Mabuyane said, adding that staff and pupils had promised to aim for a 100% pass rate in 2026.

School principal Mqondiso Dyalivane welcomed the new facility, crediting the school’s success to dedication and hard work.

“From now on it will be all about achieving good results and aiming for that 100% pass rate,” he said