2025 Matric Results: Naledi Ya Meso Learners Blame School for 0% Pass Rate

• Learners from the Naledi Ya Meso Secondary School, which achieved an astonishing 0% matric pass rate, spoke up after the matric results were released
• The school went viral for its low pass mark, the lowest in the province, and the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said an investigation will be launched
• The learners and a parent reflected on the failure, and South Africans struggled to comprehend what could have caused the poor performance
• Briefly News writer Gloria Masia reached out to teachers Bianca and Mswang for expert insight after learners at Naledi Ya Meso allegedly recorded a 0% matric pass rate, with many blaming the school

Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

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LIMPOPO — Learners from Naledi Ya Meso Secondary School in Limpopo, which achieved a 0% pass rate for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams, blamed the teachers and school for failing.

According to TimesLIVE, matriculants from the school, which is based in Dikgalaopeng village, complained of the poor support from the school. One of the learners said she wanted to do subjects in the commercial stream and not subjects in the sciences stream. She said that from grade 10, the physical sciences teacher, who is the principal, had not taught them.

Learns slam school for lack of support

Another learner said the learners complained about not being taught from Grade 10, but they were ignored. She also alleged that the circuit manager had ignored their pleas. She added that seeing the school's matric results performance trend was humiliating. A parent said they are embarrassed. She said the school took them to a week-long camp in a vain attempt to catch up.

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Premier Phophi Ramathuba promises action

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said that the school had no leadership or management. She said addressing management deficiencies will be a key focus of the interventions. She said the Department of Education in the province will workwith the teachers and management to identify underlying challenges and provide support.

Teacher Bianca told Briefly News writer Gloris Masia that a combination of resource shortages, teaching approaches, and socio-economic realities is the cause of these kinds of results.

“From my experience, insufficient teaching and learning resources play a major role. Schools must ensure that suitable, useful materials are available and accessible to learners to guarantee quality education.”

She added that teacher attitudes can deeply affect learner performance.

“Discouragement from educators is a serious issue. When learners are constantly told they are dull or incapable, those words stay with them and slowly destroy motivation. Teachers should inspire learners, not break them down. Their responsibility is to ensure learners leave school equipped with knowledge and confidence.”

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According to Bianca, effective support begins with understanding that learners are not the same.

“Learners come from different households, backgrounds and emotional states. Educators must identify the root causes of academic struggles and use flexible teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.”

She added that many learners arrive at school emotionally burdened by poverty and difficult living conditions.

“The least a teacher can do is encourage them and remind them that their circumstances do not define who they are. Teachers are not only educators, but they are also pillars of strength."

Teacher Bianca concluded by encouraging learners and parents to redefine success.

“Difficult circumstances do not define potential; they reveal it. Success can look like persistence and adaptability, not just high marks. Parents should praise effort and growth, not only grades, and create emotional safety for their children.”

Teacher Mswang said low matric pass rates are usually the result of multiple interconnected challenges. She said:

“In many township and rural schools, poverty, overcrowded classrooms, high absenteeism, and shortages of qualified teachers, especially in Maths and Physical Sciences, all play a role. Limited access to textbooks, laboratories and technology further deepens the problem. Many learners write exams in English, which is not their home language. They are taught in one language but assessed in another, placing them at a disadvantage compared to learners in multiracial schools where English exposure is greater.”

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Mswang believes these challenges can be addressed through long-term, systemic support.

“Early intervention, curriculum consistency, extra classes and stronger collaboration between schools, districts and communities are essential. Educators also need proper training, mentoring and manageable workloads to meet realistic expectations.”

She added that teachers often play multiple roles beyond academics.

“Teachers are educators, mentors and sometimes counsellors. Creating a safe classroom, listening to learners, offering revision support and referring serious cases to support teams can significantly improve confidence and performance.”

Mswang ended with advice for learners and parents alike.

“Your circumstances do not define your potential. Consistency, asking for help early and taking responsibility for learning are key. Parents should stay involved, encourage routines and maintain open communication with teachers. They reflect broader systemic challenges, not just individual effort. With collective support from schools, families and communities, many learners can succeed despite difficult circumstances.”

South Africans slam department

Netizens commenting on X also blamed the department and called for action.

Simon Sinbad said:

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"We know they fight, but it's impossible for anyone to fight for eight hours of teaching for five days."

The Voice RSA said:

"The Department needs to intervene urgently. Schools arebecoming lawless and are a toxic learning environment. Schools are not respected anymore."

The Great Pat said:

"What measures did the SGB, the teachers, and the parents take to calm the situation? You have no one to blame but yourself."

Ludacriz said:

"These are brainwashed. I don't feel pity for them."

South African woman rants about 0% pass rate

In a related article, Briefly News reported that a South African content creator ranted on social media about the 0% matric pass rate. Her video stirred debate about the school and the province's support for the learners.

In the clip, the woman reacts emotionally to the news of the matric results. She questioned how all matriculants did not pass. She said she had a lot of questions.

Source: Briefly News