By 
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State Province has welcomed what it term ‘a stellar’ performance by the matric class of 2025, who came in second with an 89.33% pass rate after KwaZulu-Natal province that obtained a 90.6% pass rate.
The ANC has expressed confidence in its educational system and its leadership, the party says there are areas of improvement that need attention and is committed in supporting the whole education fraternity ensuring that all have access to quality education irrespective of background.
Thabo Meeko, the Spokesperson for the ANC in the Free State, says Free State has once again demonstrated its historic and unwavering commitment to building a People’s Education for People’s Power, securing an exceptional pass rate of 89.33% and achieving the distinguished position of the second-highest performing province in South Africa.
“This remarkable accomplishment is not only a testament to the collective effort, resilience, and dedication that defines the spirit of the Free State, but is also a practical affirmation of the ANC’s manifesto commitments to improving learning outcomes, expanding access, and ensuring that education remains the central pillar of reconstruction, development, and shared prosperity.
We commend Provincial Government as led by the ANC and salute Free State Exco as commanded by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC Mamiki Maboya by whose steadfast championing of education aligns fully with the ANC’s vision of building a capable developmental state.
We express profound gratitude to the MEC for Education, Dr Mamiki Maboya, Head of Department, Advocate Tshoarelo Malakoane, for their strategic guidance, tireless oversight, and unwavering dedication to improving the quality of teaching and learning,” said Meeko.
Meeko also applauded the districts for their improved performance, which is a reflection of team work, support and strong accountability with a capable management team.
“The systemic improvements across our districts reflect targeted support, strong accountability, and effective management, with Mangaung Metropolitan district at 92.0 percent, Fezile Dabi at 89.4 percent, Thabo Mofutsanyana at 89.1 percent, Xhariep at 87.9 percent, and Lejweleputswa at 86.1 percent. We are encouraged by improvements in districts serving some of our most historically marginalised communities, affirming the Freedom Charter position that quality education must not be a privilege of geography or class,” said the Spokesperson.
“As we celebrate this historic 88 percent national pass rate and our province’s stellar 89.33 percent, we remain conscious about the work ahead. The ANC aligns with the national call to intensify support for the foundational phases of learning, early childhood development, and mastery in gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Technology,” he continued.
