The top three matriculants in Limpopo for 2024 are from the Vhembe District, which also produced the top three public schools based on bachelor passes as a criterion. Additionally, Vhembe is home to the independent school that produced the most bachelor passes in the province.

This year, however, it was not just individual efforts that stole the spotlight when the matric results were announced. The class of 2024 improved their performance by 5.6 percentage points compared to the previous year, with 85.1% of matriculants passing.

The Limpopo MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya, officially announced the results on 14 January at the Ranch Hotel, just outside Polokwane. She expressed her gratitude to the parents and guardians who supported and encouraged their children during this critical time.

Ramakhanya emphasised that the role of parents should never be underestimated, as it is crucial in sustaining and bolstering the teaching and learning process. “The results achieved by the learners did not happen by accident or luck. They are a result of hard work and dedication. Teachers in this province committed themselves in ways that should be an example to the rest of their profession, and we truly appreciate their selfless contributions,” said the MEC.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba highlighted the values adopted by the Department of Education, which include altruism, honesty, compassion, professionalism, fairness, excellence, teamwork, and empathy as guiding principles for their vision and actions. “We are prepared to unlearn laziness and adopt hard work. We will learn from our past and improve our present reality. Your success and achievements today signify our commitment to advancing the values of education that are central to our liberation as individuals and as a nation,” she added.

The top three learners in the province are all from the Vhembe East District:

1 - Nzumbululo Todani from Mbilwi Secondary School
2 - Lalamani Maselesele from Tshivhase Secondary School
3 - Nkateko Mushwana from EPP Mhinga Secondary School

As has almost become tradition, Mbilwi Secondary School was announced as the best public school in the province based on bachelor passes, producing 307 bachelor passes. Thengwe Secondary School followed with 234 bachelor passes, and Dzata Secondary School came third with 220 bachelor passes. All these schools are located in the Vhembe West District.

When asked about the secret behind the excellent results, the principal of Mbilwi High, Mr Cedrick Lidzhade, credited the dedication of the teachers and learners. “The involvement of all stakeholders, including parents, SGB members, and traditional leaders, also contributed to the good performance,” he said.

In the independent-school category, New Era College in Vhembe East, with 436 candidates, achieved 230 bachelor passes.