Rapid appraisal of Limpopo's 2021 matric results

Genesis was commissioned by the Limpopo Department of Education, through the Member of the Executive Committee for Education and the Provincial Head of Department, to conduct a rapid appraisal of the province’s education system.

Working with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), we evaluated the underlying factors contributing to the concerning 2021 National Senior Certificate results for Limpopo and unfavourable interprovincial comparisons.

Using 2021 as a baseline, the appraisal sought to identify changes and bottlenecks in the education system compared to previous years. The NECT led on surveys at the school level while Genesis conducted key informant interviews with senior provincial education staff and leaders at district and zonal levels.

The appraisal also involved an assessment of Limpopo’s execution of plans in comparison to Gauteng and Free State. The fidelity of the implementation of these plans was tested across different levels of the provincial system. The appropriateness, sufficiency and alignment of strategies and programmes were also tested at each tier of the education system (provincial, district and school levels).

The results of the study were included in the Premier's 2022 State of the Province Address, from which actions were discussed at a Provincial Education Lekgotla in March 2022.