For the fourth consecutive year, Free State matriculants achieved the top pass rate, as revealed on Thursday evening 19 January 2023, following the release of the 2022 NSC exam results. 

Ntombela is the first Free State Premier to record the top spot four times in a row. She said she is proud of what the 2022 matric class has achieved despite the challenging circumstances that they faced. Ntombela said the province has set the bar high and she believes that the province's record will not be broken anytime soon.

"Under the able leadership of Mampodi (champion) MEC Tate Makgoe, the Free State has largely become the envy of the entire country. I want to congratulate my brother, my comrade, Mampudi warona (our champion). Your name will be written in the big history books of the country. Remember we are not going to be here for ever. Surely, twenty years [from now] we might not be here but your name will remain," she said.

An emotional Ntombela also paid tribute to the late ANC stalwart, Jessie Duarte, who played a significant role in ensuring that Ntombela is supported by strong MECs such as Makgoe. Ntombela dedicated the matric results of 2022 to the late Duarte.

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