Dr Reginah Mhaule Mhaule spoke during the handover of nutritional support packages at Tlhoafalo Secondary School in Agisanang near Sannieshof on Monday (3/8). She said the province has the potential to move from fourth position back into the national top three.

North West achieved an overall matric pass rate of 88.49% for the class of 2025 and placed fourth nationally. This was an improvement of 0.99 percentage points from its 2024 pass rate of 87.5%.

The national department of basic education has closely monitored North West’s performance and believes the province should achieve stronger results, Mhaule said. Its performance in national education competitions shows that it can compete with the country’s leading provinces.

“This province does not belong in fourth position in the matric results; it belongs at the top. In almost every national competition, the province performs exceptionally well and receives many of the awards,” she said.

North West secured first place at the National Teaching Awards in Gauteng last year. Mhaule said the province has repeatedly demonstrated excellence and should be able to translate that success into improved matric results.

“I have every confidence that this province will reclaim its rightful position and again rank among the country’s top-performing provinces. It is possible, and I believe you will achieve this when the results are released in January 2027.”

Representatives from 25 schools in the cluster attended the programme, including principals, teachers, and selected learners. The schools mainly serve underprivileged communities where many learners face serious socio-economic challenges and lack basic necessities.

The visit was prompted by concern over the difficult living conditions experienced by learners in the area, North West education spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule said. The nutritional packages are intended to support vulnerable learners and help them remain at school.

The initiative addresses barriers to learning linked to poverty, poor nutrition, and limited access to essential support. It also makes part of the province’s preparations for the 2026 matric examinations and efforts to improve academic performance.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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