BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State MEC for Education, Dr Mantlhake Maboya, is confident the province’s 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination period will be credible and free of cheating incidents. She expressed optimism on Tuesday, 21 October, during her visit to the St. Bernard’s Secondary School in Bloemfontein to monitor 82 candidates starting the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) exam.
Maboya said her department, along with stakeholders, has ensured there would be no interruption for the Free State cohort of 48,000 candidates writing their final Gr.12 exams. She said preparations began at the beginning of the year, and confirmed that the province’s overall target was a 95% pass rate, with 45% bachelor’s passes. She said the St. Bernard’s School had the largest number of full-time Gr.12 learners in the Motheo district writing the CAT subject.
This subject, in South Africa, teaches computer literacy by focusing on the practical application of hardware and software to solve real-world problems. It covers skills in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations, along with the theoretical aspects of computer systems, networks, and the social impact of technology.
“I’m encouraged that some of the learners are additionally doing Mathematics, Science, as well as commercial subjects. You have made the right choice pertaining to these subjects that we call gateway subjects – they are going to open opportunities for you. This is what the economy of this country wants,” said Maboya.
She said that to get learners ready and help them work towards the 95% overall pass rate, extra classes were offered during weekends.
“Learners have been given the necessary support, and I wish all candidates writing their final exams the best. As the department, we have done everything possible to ensure the exams are successful,” said Maboya.
She said exam invigilators and monitors were well-equipped to ensure the credibility of the exams.
Last year, the Free State had 44 545 candidates write exams and achieved a 91% matric pass rate in the NSC exams, marking their sixth consecutive year of holding the top provincial position in South Africa.
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