Bloemfontein - The Free State matrics have managed to scoop third position in the top performing province in the country with a pass rate of 69.38 percent.
Although the results have dropped by 2.4 percent compared with the 71.8 percent achieved in 2008, MEC for Education Tate Makgwe said while the province performed well nationally, it has failed to reach the 75 percent target set by the province in 2008.
"The fact that we have not been able to attain our target of a 75 percent pass rate is a cause of a grave concern," said Makgwe.
Announcing the results during a media briefing on Thursday in Bloemfontein, MEC Makgwe said although disappointing, the slight decline in the pass rate must be understood in its proper context, adding that some gains have been made under the Outcomes Based Education (OBE) system.
The 2009 matrics are the second cohorts of learners to write under the OBE system.
In the Free State, 29 808 pupils sat for the examinations, an increase of 560 learners as compared to the 29 248 who wrote in 2008.
Congratulating those who have made it especially with limited resources and in rural areas, Makgwe said this is an indication that more and more schools are functional and delivering education to the citizens of the Free State.
"Examinations serve as an important indicator of the successes of the efforts of teachers, learners, parents and education officials to improve the culture of learning, teaching and service in our school" said Makgwe.
Of the 29 808, who sat for the exams, 6 030 candidates who have passed will be admitted to universities; 8 691 have qualified for admission for a diploma and 5 912 for a higher certificate programme.
MEC Makgwe commended the schools who have consistently achieved a 100 percent pass rate.
The department encouraged those who have not made it to register again this year, adding that under performing schools will be dealt with after investigations by the department.
