Barkly East
The Joe Gqabi District Municipality proudly hosted the National Senior Certificate (NSC) District Awards at Nkululeko Hall in Barkly East, celebrating excellence, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. The ceremony honored top-performing learners, dedicated educators, supportive parents, and communities who collectively contributed to the district’s academic success.
Eastern Cape Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education, Honourable Fundile Gade, joined Joe Gabi District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa, in the ceremony. Over the past four years, the Joe Gabi District has demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory in Matric performance, culminating in a remarkable achievement of ranking first in the Eastern Cape with an impressive average pass rate of 88.4% for 2025.
The MEC congratulated all learners who passed, those who achieved distinctions, and schools that raised the standard of excellence. “These results further reaffirm the understanding that education outcomes are closely linked to service delivery and living conditions,” the MEC outlined. Cllr Mposelwa emphasized the importance of guiding learners beyond matric, focusing on skills development, post-school opportunities, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship.
To support educational success, the JGDM prioritizes:
– Reliable Water and Sanitation Services: Ensuring dignified learning environments
– Improved Road Infrastructure: Enhancing access to schools, particularly in rural areas
– Collaboration with Sector Departments: Strengthening social and economic conditions
The Joe Gabi Department of Education District Director, Dr. B Mceleli, commended award recipients, educators, and parents for their resilience, professionalism, and sacrifices. He noted that learners’ success stands as a beacon of hope and possibility for the entire district.
Some of the Winners:
– Top 5 Learners:
1. Akho Dambuza – Tlokweng Senior School
2. Lehlokomelo Tsibuli – Lehana Senior School
3. Napo Sengange – Tokweng Senior School
4. Kganya Mkhwentla – Ebenezer Nyathi School
5. Ithutile Lethetsa – Lehana Senior School
– Schools with 100% Pass Rate: Burgersdorp High School, Impumelelo High School, Sterkspruit Christian School, and Ugie High School
– Top Performing Educators:
1. Maselana SL – Umthawelanga High School (Business Studies)
2. L Nodada – Ugie High School (Dramatic Arts)
3. I Liwane – Bethania High School (Life Orientation)
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration between local government, the education sector, and communities to ensure excellence becomes the standard in Joe Gqabi District.
