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Fifteen learners sat for the 2025 matric exams at Naledi Ya Meso, and not a single one passed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This stark outcome has left the community reeling, with parents expressing deep disappointment and learners hiding from public view out of shame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One parent shared anonymously with the Sunday Times: \u201cSince the results came out, my son has been sleeping and ashamed; he never left the yard for days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe was saying that he can\u2019t walk in the streets with pride as they are the laughing stock of the community.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The failure stands in sharp contrast to the province\u2019s overall improvement and the national average, prompting urgent questions about systemic breakdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fallout has exposed a web of interconnected issues, with no single party escaping scrutiny \u2013 or taking responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Matshipane Mohlala, who has been ill, faces imminent removal amid accusations of poor oversight. Reports highlight years of institutional collapse, including a lack of accountability and inadequate staffing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teachers have reported disinterest among pupils, such as refusing to attend Saturday classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allegations of violence, including learners attacking educators with pangas (machetes), have surfaced, painting a picture of rampant ill-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recurring theme is the alleged absence of parental support, with officials noting that some parents fail to address behavioural issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shifts in academic streams and a belief in witchcraft, where excellence is discouraged for fear of bewitchment, have also been cited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DA shadow minister for basic education, Nomsa Marchesi, described the incident as symptomatic of Limpopo\u2019s longstanding educational woes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Premier promises intervention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In a televised interview on eNCA, Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba minced no words: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe know the problem now\u2026 There\u2019s no leadership, there\u2019s no management. Therefore, it\u2019s simple. The MEC knows what needs to be done.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said that changing management alone can yield dramatic improvements, citing a school that jumped from 38% to 98% pass rate after a principal swap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ramathuba dismissed labour disputes playing out in the media, insisting on a proper diagnosis: \u201cProbably maybe all these years we\u2019ve not been making the correct diagnosis.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During her visit to the school on January 15, she promised not to close it, pledging adoption and support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will help you with your studies, but you must do most of the work yourselves.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis school cannot be closed. You even have a laboratory. We are going to adopt this school and improve its performance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In another eNCA segment, she highlighted monitoring efforts and allegations of learner misconduct, urging parental accountability: \u201cSo it\u2019s discipline; some parents cannot correct [their children].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has committed to interventions, acknowledging issues like underperformance during term exams and false assurances from the principal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n