“Make use of what you have, not what you need.” This is the advice to other educators from a Grade 12 Business Studies teacher at Matopa Senior Secondary School in Mokopane, Limpopo who achieved a 100% pass rate on the subject for the fourth time.

The school, which is based in the outskirts of Mokpane, in Lesodi Motlana village, is one of many in the province that are still underdeveloped.

The school achieved 93.3% overall in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. 

It faces severe resource challenges, including a lack of smart devices and computers, among others.

Despite these obstacles, Mautla relied on chalk, notes, and face-to-face teaching to ensure his learners succeeded.

“This success was the result of tireless commitment and perseverance,” he said.

“In 2025, I had 21 learners, and all of them passed, achieving a 100% pass rate.”

He told IOL News that two of his learners earned distinctions.

“I am happy that all the hard work and dedication throughout the year led to a 100% pass rate…but I am not satisfied with the number of discussions. There should have been at least four or more, but I believe in 2026 there will be more distinctions,” the 34-year-old teacher said with a giggle.

Mautla, who teaches at the same school where he matriculated, said his motivation stems from a strong commitment to learners’ success.

“Our district motto says #leaving a child behind. So I always remind learners that if one fails, we all fail, because we have left that learner behind,” he said. 

“I always encourage them to study in groups. That’s why we have this 100% pass.”

He credited the achievement to support from fellow teachers, parents, and his curriculum advisor. 

“Our advisor guided us through difficult times and offered support wherever needed. The parents played a huge role too, ensuring learners attended extra classes, sometimes on weekends and holidays.”

The University of Limpopo (UL) Bacher of Education graduate, said heavy rainfall and infrastructure challenges were a real headache, creating additional hurdles for both learners and teachers

“Whenever it rained, the Mokamole bridge would overflow, making it unsafe for learners and teachers to get to school. Sometimes we had to release learners early.”

“It was stressful because it affected our ability to teach that day and caused us to lose time for the lessons we had planned.”

He said the construction of a new bridge last year would make attendance easier.

This is not the first time he achieved a 100% pass rate on the subject.

He achieved 100% pass rates in 2016, 2018, and 2019.

“It feels great to achieve this again. It shows that hard work really yields excellent results. I congratulate all the learners for their dedication.”

Another, significant challenge, he said, remains the lack of smart devices. 

“We rely on face-to-face interaction because some learners don’t have smartphones, so information must reach everyone, not just a few. Access to smart devices would make learning much easier,” he said.

Mautla offered advice to teachers and learners alike.

“Make use what you have, not what you need. Draft notes when textbooks are limited. Don’t compare current learners with previous ones – it kills morale. Learners should make use of all available resources, study in groups, plan their study time early, and seek help when needed.”

Looking ahead to 2026, he said success requires preparation, dedication, and regular assessment. 

“Set targets, prepare lessons early, teach with commitment, assess learners’ performance regularly and the results will come.”

Meanwhile, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the 2025 matric results on Monday in Johannesburg. 

The Class of 2025 achieved a record-breaking national pass rate of 88%, up from 87.26% in 2024.

KwaZulu-Natal led the provinces with 90.6%, followed by the Free State at 89.33%, Gauteng at 89.06%, North West at 88.49%, Western Cape at 88.2%, Northern Cape at 87.79%, Mpumalanga at 86.55%, Limpopo at 86.15%, and Eastern Cape at 84.17%. 

The Free State, which had held the top position since 2019, slipped to second place.

“The results tell a clear story. The basic education system is becoming more stable. Participation is improving, inclusion is expanding, and integrity is holding firm,” Gwarube said. 

She cautioned, however, that long-term success depends on strong foundations in early education.

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) reported an overall pass rate of 98.3% for the 2025 NSC examinations.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

Source link