Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dulandi Leech MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) would like to congratulate the matric class of 2025, who have completed their Grade 12 schooling and are now embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Despite the challenges and hardships, these learners, with the support of their teachers and parents, achieved an 89.33% pass rate.
The DA, however, notes with serious concern that the Free State has slipped from its position as the top-performing province in the country for matric results, falling to second place after KZN. This is a significant shift, as KZN had the largest matric class in 2025, compared to the Free State, which had the second-smallest matric class.
While any strong performance by learners and teachers must be acknowledged, this decline is a clear warning sign of backsliding in the province’s education system. Failing to address infrastructure issues, poor maintenance, and the non-payment of contractors results in hazardous conditions in schools and significantly impacts learner experience.
The department must decisively deal with the issues of disciplinary action against teachers and employees with criminal records, and address challenges with payments to third parties.
The Free State deserves better than a government that normalises decline. Parents, teachers, and communities must ask hard questions about why progress cannot be maintained under ANC rule.
The DA will probe the department’s performance in the Free State Legislature and insist on plans to retain the Free State’s position as the top-performing province in the country. We remain committed to supporting credible, learner-centred reforms that strengthen the public education system and expand opportunity for every learner.