By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has applauded the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) for the remarkable improvement in the 2024 Form Five examination results.
Speaking on February 7, 2025, during the release of the Eswatini General Certificate of Secondary Education (EGCSE) results, the minister credited the progress to the dedication and hard work of ECESWA staff. The national pass rate increased from 88.33% in 2023 to 89.23% in 2024.
“The national pass percentage increased from 88.33% in 2023 to 89.23% in 2024, marking an improvement of 0.90%,” Nxumalo stated. He commended the professionalism demonstrated by ECESWA in managing the examination process and acknowledged head teachers for allowing teachers to mark candidates’ scripts during the exams.
Key Statistics and Performance Insights
The number of candidates increased from 19,351 in 2023 to 20,207 in 2024, with 17,187 being full-time candidates and 2,668 part-time candidates. Notably, the number of absentees decreased significantly by 28.16%, from 490 in 2023 to 352 in 2024.
In contrast, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) results recorded a decline. The overall pass rate for IGCSE dropped by 2.11%, from 84.07% in 2023 to 81.96% in 2024.
Regional Performance Breakdown
Shiselweni Region: Best overall pass rate – 90.22%
Hhohho Region: 89.20%
Lubombo Region: 88.71%
Manzini Region: 88.46%
In terms of credit pass rates:
Hhohho Region led with 34.77%
Shiselweni Region followed with 34.63%
Manzini Region recorded 33.55%
Lubombo Region achieved 32.89%
Top Performing Students
The minister acknowledged the outstanding performance of 11 students who attained five or more A* grades:
Kubheka Landokuhle Wesley – Somnjalose High School
Mpanza Sizwe – St. Mark’s High School
Dlamini Refiloe Mbali – Evelyn Baring High School
Ncongwane Sisekelo – Ekudvwaleni High School
Masango Simisa Bethabile – Ka-Boyce High School
Mbokazi Philiswa Chantel – Evelyn Baring High School
Hlatshwayo Bamelele Siwakhile – Manzini Nazarene High School
Numalo Vuyiswa Sikhulile – St. Mark’s High School
Mswane Vuyani Owenkhosi – Ka-Boyce High School
Xaba Wamkelwe Sandzisile – St. Mark’s High School
Mmema Nosizo Temantekati – St. Mark’s High School
Future Outlook
Minister Nxumalo congratulated the Class of 2024 and wished them success in their future endeavours. He also encouraged current students to work hard in pursuit of academic excellence.
The steady improvement in results underscores the commitment of educators, students, and policymakers in advancing Eswatini’s education sector.
