A rural Limpopo secondary school has recorded a 0% pass rate in the 2025 matric exams, making it the only school in South Africa where no learner passed.
The results at Naledi Ya Meso Secondary School, located in Dikgalaopeng village in the Sekhukhune South education district, stand in stark contrast to the national matric pass rate of 88%.
A struggling school, a dismal matric result
The school serves a small and under-resourced community, and learner numbers have been declining, dropping from 135 pupils in 2024 to 99 in 2025, Newsday reports. Only nine learners were registered for matric last year.
Despite having some basic infrastructure, including a science laboratory, the school suffers from severe staff shortages, with certain subjects having no teachers at all.
The school’s results have also been poor for several years, but showed slight improvement before collapsing in 2025.
- 2023: 40% pass rate
- 2024: 40.1% pass rate
- 2025: 0% pass rate
A total of 15 learners wrote matric exams in 2025, and none passed.
Who is to blame?
The fallout has sparked a blame game involving school management, teachers, parents and learners.
- The principal, who has been ill, faces possible removal due to claims of poor leadership.
- Teachers have reported poor learner discipline, including refusal to attend extra classes.
- There are allegations of violence at the school, including attacks on educators.
- Officials say parental support is lacking, with some parents failing to address behavioural issues.
There are also claims that superstitions, including the fear of witchcraft, discourage academic success in the area.
Government steps in
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has promised urgent intervention after visiting the school.
Ramathuba says the problem is rooted in a lack of leadership and management. She confirmed the school will not be closed and said the province will step in to support and improve its performance.
The Limpopo Department of Education says monitoring and corrective measures are already underway.
