Africa-Press – Eswatini. The long and anxious wait is finally over for Form V students. The Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) has confirmed that the much-anticipated 2024 Form V results will be officially released this coming Friday, February 7, 2025.
Exams Council Registrar, Dr. Mandla Dlamini, has confirmed the release date, bringing an end to weeks of speculation and mounting anticipation among students, parents, and educators.
“I can confirm that we will release the Form V results on Friday, 7 February,” Dr Dlamini stated in an exclusive interview.
This confirmation follows earlier reports by this publication suggesting that the results would be made available within the first or second week of February.
Experts from the United Kingdom recently concluded a rigorous quality assurance process, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the results before their official release.
Reflections on last year’s performance
The 2023 Form V results painted a concerning picture, marking the lowest performance in six years. The Eswatini General Certificate of Secondary Education (EGCSE) pass rate declined to 88.33% from 92.58% in 2022. Similarly, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) pass rate dropped from 92.32% to 84.07%. These figures indicated a challenging year for learners, educators, and policymakers alike.
However, amidst the dip in performance, there was a beacon of hope—the Eswatini Prevocational Certificate of Secondary Education (EPCSE) program, which recorded an impressive 96.73% pass rate, outperforming both EGCSE and IGCSE candidates. The EPCSE’s success highlights the importance of vocational training in equipping students with practical skills for the job market.
A defining moment for 2024 candidates
This year’s candidates await their results with mixed emotions—hope, excitement, and anxiety. The outcome will determine their future academic and career prospects, influencing their ability to secure university placements, scholarships, and employment opportunities. The release of the results is expected to spark nationwide discussions on education quality and the effectiveness of recent reforms aimed at improving student outcomes.
South Africa’s record-breaking achievement
Meanwhile, neighbouring South Africa recently published its 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, revealing a historic achievement. The country’s matric pass rate rose to 87.3%, reflecting an upward trajectory in academic performance. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube emphasized that while the matric pass rate is a key metric, it is not the only determinant of progress in the education sector.
More than 615,000 learners successfully passed the NSC exams, making it the highest number of matriculants in South Africa’s history. This milestone underscores the country’s efforts in improving access to education and ensuring better outcomes for students.
Looking ahead
As Eswatini prepares for the release of the 2024 Form V results, all eyes will be on whether students can improve upon last year’s performance. The results will provide crucial insights into the state of the country’s education system and the areas that require urgent intervention.
For now, students, parents, and educators eagerly count down the days until Friday, hopeful that this year’s results will bring positive
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