EAST LONDON - The class of 2025 in the Eastern Cape achieved a pass rate 0.7% down on the previous year.
READ: Matric Results | Gauteng's 2025 matric top achievers' advice to next cohort
It appears the province with the lowest pass rate of the nine has a greater problem.
The ongoing suspensions of senior management and educators is costing the education system.
Eastern Cape MEC Fundile Gade has asked Premier Oscar Mabuyane to look into alleged embezzlement of funds.
Gade said the suspension of staff has had a major effect on results.
Nearly 30 educators suspended for alleged sexual offences, and misusing funds intended for school activities, could learn their fate by the end of February.
The Eastern Cape Education Department believes its 2026 matrics can vastly improve on the 84.17% achieved by the class of 2025.
Bettering that pass rate is not far-fetched, but it will need a collective effort from pupils, parents, teachers and senior management.
They need to get their house in order to ensure a conducive educational system for all.