By Lucas Shongwe, Simphiwe Jennifer Motau, Rodney Hlatshwayo, Mathabatha Maila, Zinhle Masilela, Nelisiwe Skhosana
Nkangala —This year’s matriculant pass rate of 87,4%, an increase from 85,24% in 2024, signifies a consistent improvement in the matric results within the Nkangala District. However this year’s performance is below its 95% set target.
District Director Douglas Maja said that they aligned the 2025 Learner Performance Improvement Plan (LPIP) with the government’s priorities including, but not limited to, advancing national assessment and fostering teacher development.
Since the beginning of the 2025 school calendar, Nkangala senior district officials have been visiting schools to monitor progress on agreed milestones across all grades.“We further conducted a meeting with 27 schools that performed below 70% to assist them to perform better. In addition, we conducted one-on-one accountability sessions with 11 chronic underperforming schools to iron out any reported bottlenecks,” said Maja.
The district is made up of six municipalities and 21 circuits. The Steve Tshwete 2 Circuit is the highest circuit, recording an impressive pass rate of 97%.
Of the six municipalities, Emalahleni was the most outstanding at 94%, earning the title of the best performing municipality in 2025.
The second highest performing municipality is the Steve Tshwete, which soared a 92,4% pass rate while Victor Khanye closely followed by 86,1%, Dr. JS Moroka followed at 85,1% and Emakhazeni and Thembisile Hani rounded out the achievements with 82% and 81,6% respectively.
Highveld Chronicle visited some of the outstanding schools across the district.
Hoërskool Tegniese Skool
The Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development, Nompumelelo Hlophe, together with Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Mhlonishwa Masilela, visited Hoërskool Tegniese Skool (HTS) Middelburg on 14 January 2026 as part of the Provincial School Reopening Programme.
The visit followed the school’s impressive 2025 matric performance, with a pass rate of 99,1%, where only two learners did not meet the requirements. Hlope described HTS Middelburg as a beacon of technical excellence, noting that the school’s values of discipline, hard work and practical skills prepare learners not only for examinations, but for life and the world of work.
Hlophe highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education in addressing unemployment and empowering young people to become creators of opportunities. She said the school inspection was aimed at ensuring that teaching and learning take place under proper conditions.
“We want to make sure that our schools have the right infrastructure, adequate resources and a conducive environment where both learners and educators can thrive,” Hlophe said.
Commending the school’s leadership, educators and support staff, Hlophe said their dedication and commitment reflected the school’s motto of perseverance, excellence and service through education.
Pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qiXqFD5SukMBR9wtz6kdKiZsezducOx_
Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School
In Delmas, Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School emerged as the Delmas circuit leader with an improved 97,6% pass rate, up from 95% in 2024.
Acting Principal of Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School, Mothapo Willy, said the improved results were achieved despite significant challenges.
“The school proudly celebrates its improved matric results, with the pass rate rising from 95% to 97,6%, placing it among the top performers in the district,” Willy said, adding that there were inconsistent learner attendance, limited resources in some subjects and varying levels of learner readiness as key challenges.
“These were addressed through extra classes, evening sessions, revision programmes and targeted academic support to ensure no learner was left behind. Our educators set clear goals, closely monitored learner progress, provided continuous feedback and motivated learners throughout the year,” he said.
The school’s qualitative results were impressive as it achieved 102 distinctions in total, 123 learners qualified for bachelor passes and 82 diploma passes.
Willy also acknowledged the support of the Mpumalanga Department of Education for providing tablets, which improved access to learning resources. He said the school aims for 100% pass rate, more distinctions and increased bachelor passes in 2026 through early planning and sustained learner support.
Mabande Comprehensive School
At Mabande Comprehensive School in Phola, under the eMalahleni Municipality, leaders urged learners to make every school day count, stressing that discipline, unity and dedication remain essential for academic success. The school attained a 93% compared to 86,5% in 2024.
One of the distinguished guests present when the school opened its gates for the 2026 academic year was former learner and educator, now Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Khethelo Maseko, and an official from the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Enock Mabena.
MMC Khethelo Maseko reflected on her journey from the same school grounds to public office. “Education was the key that opened every door in my life,” she said. “When you invest in your studies, you invest in your own future. No matter your background or challenges, your books will never betray you.”
She urged learners to take ownership of their academic journey, saying: “Make every school day count. Your teachers can guide you, but only you can decide the direction of your life. Choose education, and you will never regret it.”
Mabena commended the school for its ongoing commitment to academic performance. “We have always believed that rural schools can shine just as brightly as any other. Mabande Comprehensive has continued to prove that commitment and discipline produce results,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that every learner receives quality education. We will continue supporting schools like Mabande because the future of our province rests in the hands of these young people.”
Lehlaka Combined School
In Emalahleni, Lehlaka Combined School recorded a 91% matric pass rate in 2025, a significant improvement from 72% in 2024. Five top-performing learners were honoured during the visit: Khanyisile Simelane, who achieved an outstanding 81%, Rethabile Motsuoane 71%, Simthandile Dlamini 67%, and Sihle Mlungu and Nothando Mavuso, who both obtained 65%.
Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Speedy Mashilo, said the result showed that school size and location were not barriers to success.
“This achievement shows that even a small-town school can reach great heights,” said Mashilo. “We commend the mining sector for renovating the school and we applaud the teachers and parents for working together to ensure that the school achieves a 91% pass rate — a big improvement from 2024.”
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King Makhosonke II Secondary School
In Moloto, King Makhosonke II Secondary School recorded a dramatic improvement in its 2025 matric results, increasing its pass rate from 48,9% in 2024 to 84,1%.
The improvement prompted a visit by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, led by Deputy Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Sam Masilela, together with Acting Executive Mayor Eunice Malekane of Thembisile Hani.
While celebrating improved results, Masilela cautioned that progress must be protected by ensuring safety within school premises. He condemned the carrying of weapons at school. “Stop coming to school with knives and other harmful weapons at home. Schools must be safe spaces for learning,” said Masilela.
Masilela urged those involved in criminal activities to change their paths, declaring that gangsterism would be dealt with decisively.
Malekane echoed Masilela’s call for discipline, expressing concern about crime and social challenges affecting young people in Moloto.
“One of the biggest challenges we face here is crime. Learners must leave knives at home. There must be no embarrassment around teenage pregnancy, ladies I urge you to close your legs this year, we want no dropouts. Every child belongs in school,” Malekane said.
