MANZINI – The nation awaits today’s Junior Certificate (JC) examination results amid high expectations from teachers, who say that despite numerous challenges in schools, they have done their part and now expect improved outcomes.
The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) says the expectation for better results stems from the dedication and hard work demonstrated by educators throughout the academic year.
Secretary General Lot Vilakati emphasised that while last year’s JC results were the second worst in five years and the lowest since 2019, teachers consistently executed their duties to the best of their ability.
“We did our best and we expect an improvement from last year’s results,” Vilakati said, stressing that this expectation is grounded in teachers’ comprehensive efforts despite systemic challenges.
Last year’s JC results recorded a slight increase of 1.14 per cent from 2023, yet remained concerning. Statistics indicate that the 2024 pass rate stood at 83.15 per cent, up from 82.01 per cent in 2023, while the pass rate was 83.93 per cent in 2022, 84.11 per cent in 2021, and 84.49 per cent in 2020. Candidate numbers fell sharply, with 16 513 learners sitting for the JC examinations in 2024, compared to 18 559 in 2023 and 19 552 in 2022.
The 2024 results also revealed a drop in Merit passes, which decreased from 961 in 2023 to 699 in 2024, a decline of 0.95 per cent. First Class passes fell slightly to 1 665, down 0.78 per cent, while Second Class passes declined by 3.33 per cent. Meanwhile, the number of candidates who failed decreased from 3 340 in 2023 to 2 782 in 2024.
Vilakati pointed to the operational difficulties that teachers face daily. Persistent teacher shortages mean that staff often carry workloads equivalent to two or more individuals. He also cited the inconsistent and delayed disbursement of funds for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC), which directly affects pupil welfare and attendance.
“Another major challenge is the irregular delivery of food to schools,” Vilakati added. “When pupils go hungry, teachers have to instruct them in difficult conditions, which significantly hinders learning and concentration.”
Despite these obstacles, he said teachers remained committed to delivering quality education and supporting learners to the best of their ability.
The Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) also provided insight. General Secretary Mduduzi Masilela noted that while preliminary indications suggest that the 2025 results may mirror recent trends, disparities between urban and rural schools remain evident. Urban schools continue to dominate high performance rankings, while rural institutions face ongoing challenges in resources, staffing and learner support.
Several factors may influence the 2025 outcomes, Masilela explained. These include the content-heavy Checkpoint Assessment, persistent shortages of teachers in specialised subjects, variations in admission policies and uneven implementation of quality assurance measures.
Anticipation over top achievers list
MBABANE – Following a strong showing by girls in last year’s JC examinations, the country is keen to see which gender will dominate this year’s top achievers list.
In 2024, female learners accounted for 12 of the top 17 performing pupils nationwide. Eleven learners obtained 94 per cent, three achieved 95 per cent, while two recorded an impressive 96 per cent.
Regionally, the Shiselweni Region recorded the lowest pass rate at 81.29 per cent, while Manzini led with 84.81 per cent. Hhohho followed closely at 83.59 per cent, with Lubombo recording an 81.46 per cent pass rate.
In the 2023 examinations, Shiselweni achieved a 79.14 per cent pass rate, while Hhohho topped the list at 84.83 per cent. Lubombo recorded 80.31 per cent, while Manzini stood at 82.28 per cent.
Historically, Shiselweni and Lubombo have alternated between the lowest two positions, while Manzini and Hhohho have consistently occupied the top ranks.
A total of 22 schools recorded a 100 per cent pass rate in last year’s examinations. KaBoyce High School led the way, with all 117 candidates passing. The school recorded no failures or Third Class passes and produced 39 Merit passes.
Other schools that achieved a 100 per cent pass rate included Zandondo Secondary School, Entwandweni High School, Holy Rosary High School, Ulundi High School and Mzimnene High School.
Attention will once again focus on previously low-performing schools such as Ngcoseni High School, Apex Tutorial High School, Siphondo High School, Purity High School, Mater Dolorosa Upgrading School and Mangwanyana Secondary School.
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Public awaits 1st CBE-linked results
MBABANE – Public anticipation is growing over the release of the first examination results linked to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, with Grade VII results expected soon.
Members of the public took to social media yesterday seeking clarity on the release of the Grade VII results after the Ministry of Education and Training announced that JC results would be released today. For the past two years, the JC and Eswatini Primary Certificate (EPC) results were released simultaneously. However, the ministry has confirmed that only the JC results will be released this time. ‘What about Grade VII?’ was the most common question raised on social media platforms following the announcement.
The Grade VII results will be the first to reflect the CBE curriculum, which is scheduled for full implementation at secondary school level in 2026.
Recently, the ministry, through Principal Secretary Nanikie Mnisi, issued Circular No.3 of 2025 outlining new guidelines on the retention of Grade VII learners.
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Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo alongside Principal Secretary in the ministry Nanikie Mnisi. (File pic)