Provincial Spokesperson, Comrade Yanga Zicina
Bisho
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has congratulated the Class of 2025 on achieving an historic 88% national pass rate and a commendable 84.17% provincial pass rate. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work and collective effort of learners, educators, parents, and communities.
According to Provincial Spokesperson, Comrade Yanga Zicina, “This achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished when communities come together to prioritize education. The ANC Eastern Cape takes pride in the fact that our teachers, staff, and departmental leadership have enabled children from rural areas to access quality education and improve their future prospects.”
The province’s results are particularly notable, with 33,249 distinctions and over 40 schools achieving a 100% pass rate. All eight districts scored above 80%, with Joe Gqabi leading at 88.4%. The ANC commended the learners for embracing the challenges of their academic journey and persevering against all odds.
The province’s 11% increase from 2021’s 73% pass rate is a notable improvement, and the ANC applauds the commitment to providing quality education, particularly in no-fee schools in rural areas. “The majority of our matriculants come from underprivileged backgrounds, making this achievement all the more remarkable,” added Comrade Zicina.
The ANC is calling on its mass democratic movement structures, led by SASCO and PYA, to effectively champion the right to learn campaign and the back-to-school program, ensuring that these matriculants access higher education opportunities and continue to drive progress in the province.
As the province celebrates this milestone, it also acknowledges the importance of continued support for learners who did not achieve the desired results. “To those who didn’t achieve the desired results, we say: don’t lose hope. Your journey is just beginning. Explore alternative pathways, such as the matric rewriting programme, vocational training, apprenticeships, and supplementary interventions. Your potential and future are not defined by one exam,” said Comrade Zicina.
The ANC remains committed to the agenda of empowering its youths and will continue to work towards achieving a 90% pass rate within the next three years, with the support of its education structures and multi-stakeholders. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
