Matric results 2020: Here are the ten districts with the best pass rates in SA

After the most challenging of all academic years, the Class of 2020 can hold their heads high. Despite missing months of school, and having to take on the pressure of matric exams during a global pandemic, this particular cohort recorded a respectable pass rate above the 76% mark – and some districts have stood out above the rest with their matric results.

Matric results for 2020: Learners praised for ‘dedication and resilience’

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) has commended all learners, including those who struggled to get the matric results they were hoping for. The group say that pupils ‘exceeded all expectations’.

“That we managed to achieve a pass rate of 76.2% in the face of the adversity Grade 12 learners experienced in 2020, is beyond expectation. NAPTOSA congratulates each matriculant who was successful in the 2020 examination. Dedication, resilience, and hard work once again proved to be the elements of success.”

“NAPTOSA also acknowledges the less resilient learner who did not manage 2020 as well as his/her peers. This is the time for greater psycho-social intervention and curriculum support to ensure that these learners are not lost to the system.”

Matric pass rates – which districts are ‘top of the class’?

Angie Motshekga, meanwhile, made a compassionate decision not to name the ‘worst-performing’ districts when it came to matric results. Given the previous 12 months, a bit of naming and shaming wouldn’t really do much good. The Education Minister, however, did focus on the schools with the highest pass rates – as six districts in Gauteng made the top 10.

1. Tshwane South, GP: 89.6%
2. Johannesburg West, GP: 88.1%
3. Gauteng North, GP: 87%
4. Johannesburg North, GP: 86.9%
5. Sedibeng East, GP: 86.8%
6. Fezile Dabi, Free State: >85.2%
7. Thabo Mofutsanyane, Free State: >85.2%
8. Metro North, Western Cape: 85.1%
9. Ekurhuleni South, GP: 85%
10. Motheo, Free State: 84.8%

Other notable performers:

• – As previously mentioned, the districts of Tshwane South (Gauteng), Fezile Dabi (Free State), and Metro North (Western Cape) recorded the best performances in each of their provinces.

• – The best-performing district in the Eastern Cape is Nelson Mandela Bay

• – Ugu takes the regional crown in KZN

• – At the top of the class in Limpopo is Waterberg 2

• – Meanwhile, the Namakwa District is home to the best achievers in the Northern Cape.

• – We are still awaiting final confirmation on the regional results from North West and Mpumalanga.