BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Cabinet ministers, under the leadership of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, has charged the Ministry of Education and Training with the responsibility of improving schools that have challenges in producing the minimum national pass rate.
Dlamini said this yesterday evening (December 23, 2024) after Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo had released the Eswatini Primary Certificate (EPC) results, alongside the Junior Certificate (JC) results. The premier wanted an assessment on schools that had challenges so that Government could see how best it could intervene so that the situation could be improved.
The prime minister praised everyone who made the external examinations a success. “While we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge that some schools continue to face challenges in meeting the minimum national pass rate. This is a matter of great concern, as every child in Eswatini deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed,” Dlamini said.
“To address this, we have charged the Ministry of Education and Training to conduct thorough assessments of these schools and present their report to Cabinet to determine how Government can intervene and ensure no learner is left behind.”
The premier, with great pride and joy, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their remarkable achievements. “Your dedication and commitment to your studies have brought us great hope and confidence in the bright future of our nation,” he said.
He also expressed his happiness to learn, during a briefing from the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) and the Ministry of Education yesterday morning, that no suspected cases of exam paper leaks or copying had been identified this year. “This is commendable,” he said.
He was also heartened to see that more girls continue to excel academically. “To the boys, I want to encourage you to continue striving for excellence. The nation is rooting for you, and with determination and effort, you too can achieve greatness,” the premier remarked.
The prime minister also expressed his deepest gratitude to parents, teachers, and all stakeholders who have supported pupils along their journey. “Your sacrifices and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
In conclusion, Dlamini urged Emaswati not to forget the mission of improving education for all. “As we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024, let us remain steadfast in our collective mission to improve education for all. Together, we will continue building a prosperous and inclusive Eswatini,” he concluded.
