Category: Africa

As the Matric Class of 2025 celebrates a historic national pass rate of 88% – the highest in the country’s history – the spotlight has fallen on learners whose individual journeys reflect resilience, discipline and unwavering faith. 

From the Western Cape to Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa’s top achievers have shown that excellence is not shaped by circumstance alone, but by perseverance, purpose and belief. 

Abigail Kok, a learner from York High School in the Western Cape, emerged as the Top National Achiever in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. Speaking to SAnews, Abigail said the achievement still feels unreal. 

“Right now, it feels completely surreal. I honestly did not expect this at all,” she said with a huge smile on her face. 

Known for her academic brilliance, sporting excellence and leadership, Abigail said her greatest challenge was learning to manage her own high expectations. 

“Striving for perfection in academics, sport and leadership caused stress. Over time, I learnt that doing your best is enough, that saying ‘no’ is not failure, and that setbacks are stepping stones rather than the end of the journey,” she said. 

Her matric year was defined by discipline and balance, a carefully structured timetable, consistent effort and a conscious effort to avoid procrastination. 

“For me, the big thing in getting here was to try and avoid procrastination. It’s very difficult. YouTube Shorts is really amazing when you have to study but having a timetable, working consistently throughout the year, maintaining balance through sport and culture, and remembering to thank God made the difference,” she said. 

Abigail credits her primary school principal, Van Wyk Dames, as a lasting source of inspiration, describing him as a leader who embodied integrity, compassion and respect for every learner. 

Beyond the classroom, she balanced First Team Hockey and Squash, served as Headgirl, and was Vice-Chairperson of the RCL, while playing a leading role in initiatives such as a cellphone-free school policy, an online tutoring system and her school’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 

Looking ahead, Abigail plans to study at Stellenbosch University, where she has registered for Actuarial Science, with hopes of transitioning into Data Science. 

Her message to the Class of 2026 is heartfelt: “Work hard, try your best and don’t procrastinate. Very importantly, enjoy the year. It’s such a special year and your last chance to be a child. Laugh, enjoy it, and you’ve got this.” 

Rising from setbacks to top Accounting achiever 

From Khweha Commercial School in Limpopo, Mutshidzi Audrey Ramovha, was named the Top Achiever in Accounting in Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools, a moment she describes as both unexpected and deeply affirming. 

“I am very happy. I didn’t expect this, but it is an amazing experience to see myself here,” she told SAnews. 

Mutshidzi’s journey was shaped by a difficult transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10, when her academic performance declined sharply. Instead of giving up, she sought support from a social worker who reminded her of her potential. 

Inspired by the strength and sacrifices of her grandmother, Mutshidzi set herself a powerful goal, which is to change her family’s story. 

“I want to be the first in my family to go to university and to give my grandmother a life that reflects her worth,” she said. 

Her determination translated into results. She earned multiple awards as the top learner in Economics, Business Studies and Accounting, and was recognised among the top three learners in her circuit.

Speaking about what carried her through, she said: “It was determination. I studied hard, even when I didn’t think I would be here. But by God’s grace, I am here.” 

Her advice to the Class of 2026 is rooted in sacrifice and focus. 

“Whatever goal or dream you have, persevere and be determined. Do what is required of you, be it morning and evening studies. Even if it means being off social media, do it. Remember your goal and remember who you are doing it for,” she said. 

Mutshidzi aspires to study Chartered Accountancy, inspired daily by the CEO of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and guided by her favourite reminder: “Your background does not define your future”. 

A perfect score built on ownership and prayer 

In Mpumalanga, Siyanda Welcome Nkuna from Inkomazi Secondary School achieved what few learners ever do – 100% in Mathematics – earning 300 out of 300 marks and securing his place as the Top Achiever in Mathematics. 

For Siyanda, success came through personal accountability and faith. 

“Before I started studying, I prayed to God to help me. I had many sleepless nights, my brain was tired, but in the exam I could remember everything I had learnt,” he said. 

One of his biggest academic challenges was Organic Chemistry in Physical Sciences. Instead of blaming circumstances, Siyanda took responsibility, using online resources to master the subject and ultimately become the top-performing learner. 

He credits his teacher, Mr Mpapane, for teaching him not only Mathematics, but the value of education itself. 

“He taught me that education can change your life,” he said. 

Siyanda’s achievements include being the best Mathematics learner for the entire 2025 academic year, excelling at the SAICA June Camp, and ranking among the top learners in Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Sciences. 

Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Hard work pays off. Here I am today – it paid off.” 

Quoting scripture, Siyanda offered encouragement to the Class of 2026. 

“The pain you are feeling now is nothing compared to the joy that is coming. The pain of studying this year will be nothing compared to the joy next year,” he said. 

He plans to study Bachelor of Accounting at the University of Johannesburg, with the goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has congratulated the matric Class of 2025 on achieving an exceptional National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88%, marking the highest pass rate in the country.  

This as Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, announced the 2025 Matric Results on Monday night.

In releasing the results, the Minister said KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the best performing province in the country with all other provinces performing at over 80%.

For the first time, all 75 school districts achieved a pass rate of 80% and above. Over 900 000 learners wrote the 2025 NSC examination, making it the largest class to write the examination in South Africa’s history.

“This achievement reflects positive growth in learner performance and is a clear indication of the hard work, resilience and commitment demonstrated by learners throughout their schooling journey. This success is the result of a collective effort involving learners, educators, school leadership, parents, caregivers and education stakeholders across the system,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.

READ | Class of 2025 sets new national record with historic 88% pass rate

Government is also encouraged by strong performance in key subjects and the growing number of learners qualifying for Bachelor, Diploma and Higher Certificate passes.

“These results provide a strong foundation for increased participation in post-school education and training, and for the development of critical skills required by the economy.

While government celebrates the achievement of the Class of 2025, it remains mindful of learners who did not achieve the results they had hoped for.

“These learners are reminded that an examination outcome alone does not define their worth or future prospects. Government, through the Department of Basic Education and its partners, will ensure that psychosocial support services are accessible to learners during this period,” it said.

It encouraged learners experiencing emotional distress, anxiety or disappointment to seek support through the following free and confidential services:
•    Childline South Africa: 116 (24-hour toll-free service for children and young people)
•    South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567 (24-hour toll-free)
•    Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567
•    Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line: 076 882 2775.

“Learners who did not pass or get the results that they hoped for are further encouraged to explore the Second Chance Matric Programme, supplementary examinations, and alternative education and training pathways. The Second Chance Programme is provided free of charge to candidates.”

The Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Matric Programme was established in 2016 for learners who would like to improve their results or eventually complete their matric qualification on a part-time basis.  

These pathways provide meaningful opportunities for learners to complete their schooling or acquire market-relevant skills.

“Government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind and that every young person is supported to realise their full potential. Once again, government congratulates the Class of 2025 and wishes all learners success on their future endeavours,” said government.

Earlier, Deputy President Paul Mashatile also congratulated the Class of 2025 and encouraged the matriculants to take advantage of government-supported opportunities aimed at supporting young people as they transition into higher education, skills development, and employment. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the matric Class of 2025 following the release of the National Senior Certificate results.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube this evening announced that the matric class achieved a historic 88% National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate – the highest in South Africa’s history – marking a significant milestone for the basic education sector. 

The Deputy President, in a statement issued on Monday evening, commended the matriculants for their resilience, discipline, and determination in reaching this important milestone, noting that their achievement represents “both personal success and a critical contribution to the country’s future development”.

In his message, the Deputy President encouraged the matriculants to take advantage of government-supported opportunities aimed at supporting young people as they transition into higher education, skills development, and employment.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in young people and creating inclusive opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Matric Class of 2025 has achieved a historic 88% National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate – the highest in South Africa’s history marking a significant milestone for the basic education sector. 

The national pass rate represents an increase of approximately 0.7 percentage points from 2024 and was met with resounding applause when announced by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during the official release of the results on Monday evening at Mosaïek Church in Fairlands. 

More than 900 000 full time and part time candidates wrote the matric examinations at approximately 6 000 centres across the country, making it the largest cohort to sit for the NSC exams. Of these, over 656 000 learners successfully passed. 

Congratulating the Class of 2025, the Minister acknowledged their resilience and determination. 

“To the Class of 2025, I say: congratulations on a record-breaking 88% pass rate. Siyazingca ngani. Nisebenzile. You have shown resilience – not only in these examinations, but across years of learning in a country that has asked much of you. South Africa sees you. 

“And to the learners of our no-fee schools: you have shown the country what is possible. You have proven that talent lives everywhere and that when we strengthen the roots, hope becomes an outcome, not a slogan,” Gwarube said. 

Addressing educators, learners, parents and stakeholders, Gwarube confirmed that the results had been quality-assured and approved by Umalusi, affirming the credibility and integrity of the examination process. 

“We can have confidence: these results are earned, not gifted. South Africans, we must also put a stubborn myth to rest: 30% is not ‘the matric pass mark’. 

“The NSC is earned by meeting minimum requirements across a full subject package – including higher thresholds in key subjects, with different pass types that open different pathways after school,” the Minister said. 

She extended her gratitude to the entire education sector for their contribution to attaining this year’s pass rate. 

“To every Premier, every MEC, every Head of Department, every district director, every principal, and every teacher: these outcomes are built day by day, term by term, year by year – and we honour the work behind them,” she said.

Provincial performance 

KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the best performing province in the country, achieving a pass rate of 90.6%, followed closely by the Free State at 89.33% and Gauteng at 89.06%. 

Northern Cape was the most improved province with 87.79% in sixth place. 

For the first time, all 75 school districts across the country recorded pass rates of 80% and above, pointing to more evenly spread performance across provinces. 

Quality of passes and system stability 

While the overall pass rate reached a new high, the Minister emphasised that quality remains a key concern. 

The proportion of Bachelor passes – which provide access to university degree studies – declined slightly from 48% in 2024 to 46% in 2025. 

However, in absolute numbers, more learners than ever before achieved Bachelor passes, increasing by 8 700 to over 345 000 candidates. 

Diploma passes accounted for 28% of results, while 13.5% of candidates achieved Higher Certificate passes. 

The results also reflect a more stable education system, with the majority of candidates writing matric at the expected age of 18, and a sharp decline in the number of learners unable to complete their exam papers – down from about 17% in 2017 to around 2% in 2025. 

Girls continued to outperform boys in participation, making up 56% of the matric cohort. The Minister cautioned, however, that the growing underrepresentation of boys in Grade 12 and post-school pathways requires urgent intervention. 

“But the boy child is increasingly being left behind, becoming underrepresented in matric cohorts and less likely than girls to return through second-chance pathways. This imbalance requires urgent and targeted intervention,” the Minister said. 

Gateway subjects under pressure 

Despite overall progress, performance in key gateway subjects declined. 

The Mathematics pass rate dropped from 69% to 64%, while Accounting fell from 81% to 78%. Physical Science showed a marginal improvement, increasing from 76% to 77%. 

Only 34% of candidates wrote Mathematics, with the majority opting for Mathematical Literacy – a trend the Minister described as concerning for long-term access to scarce skills and economic participation.

“So, as we celebrate, we do so with clear eyes. The next phase is about deeper mastery – especially in gateway subjects. It is about increasing the number of learners taking and excelling in Mathematics, Physical Science and other gateway subjects with support, so opportunity expands without quality collapsing,” Gwarube said. 

Equity and no-fee schools 

The 2025 results highlighted continued progress in expanding opportunity for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. More than 66% of Bachelor passes were achieved by learners from no-fee schools, reinforcing the message that poverty is not destiny. 

In addition, participation by learners with special education needs increased by 57%, with notable improvements in both pass rates and Bachelor-level achievements. 

However, concerns were raised about the performance of learners reliant on social grants. 

While more grant beneficiaries wrote the exams, their pass rate declined to 78%, compared to 86% previously. The Minister said the department will engage with the Department of Social Development to prevent the discontinuation of grants during learners’ matric year.

A new course for basic education 

Gwarube said the record-breaking results reflect a system that is stabilising, but warned against complacency. 

“Taken together, these results tell a clear story. The system is more stable. Participation is improving. Inclusion is expanding. Integrity is holding firm. But the results also confirm the central truth of our reform agenda: without strong foundations in the early years, inequity will always return later. 

“The new course we have set for the basic education system is defined by deep roots, strong foundations and long vision,” she said. 

The department’s reform agenda, she explained, is focused on strengthening early childhood development, improving early grade reading and numeracy, expanding teacher support, and ensuring learner safety and nutrition. 

The Minister assured those who did not pass that alternative pathways and second-chance opportunities remain available. 

“And to every learner who did not get the result you hoped for: you are not a failure, and your story is not over. There are pathways to improve your results – through rewrites, support programmes and second-chance opportunities. What matters now is that you take the next step, with support, and without shame,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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There were cheers, ululations, and whistles as the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, announced that KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as the top-performing province in the 2025 matric exams. 

The province achieved an impressive 90.6% pass rate, setting a new benchmark for educational excellence in South Africa.

The Minister was speaking at the Mosaic Church in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday evening, where she announced the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results. 

In her passionate address, the Minister emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating that these results represent not merely numbers but were a testament to the collective efforts of educators, learners, and communities nationwide.

“Over 656 000 learners passed the National Senior Certificate. That figure carries the effort of every teacher, every learner, families in every corner of our country,” the Minister said. 

KwaZulu-Natal’s stellar performance is part of a broader national trend, with the country achieving its highest-ever pass rate of 88% – a 0 .7% increase from 2024. 

KwaZulu-Natal is followed by the Free State, which achieved a pass rate of 89.33%. 

Gauteng came next with a pass rate of 89.06%, followed by North West at 88.49%. 

The Western Cape recorded a pass rate of 88.20%, and the Northern Cape achieved 87.79%, marking a significant improvement. 

Mpumalanga had a pass rate of 86.55%, while Limpopo increased to 86.15%. 

Finally, the Eastern Cape achieved a pass rate of 84.17%. 

The Minister stressed that these results represent more than just academic success. 

“The system is more stable, participation is improving, inclusion is expanding, integrity is holding firm.”

The Minister contextualised the achievement within a larger educational transformation agenda. “This is not a rejection of the past. It is crossing into new territory, informed by experience, guided by evidence, and anchored in foundations strong enough to carry the future.” 

The success also underscores the deep connection between social grants and educational outcomes.

While more social grant beneficiaries wrote the NSC exams in 2025, 78% of these candidates passed, down from 86% previously. 

The Minister noted that candidates with active social support performed significantly better, underscoring the importance of holistic support for learners.

To the Class of 2025, the Minister’s message was one of hope and resilience. “You have shown the country what is possible. You have proven that talent lives everywhere, and that when we strengthen the roots, hope becomes an outcome, not a slogan.” 

Speaking to SAnew, KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, demonstrated unwavering optimism and a strategic approach to overcoming systemic obstacles that his province faced last year. 

“We convert challenges to solutions,” the MEC said, underlining the department’s commitment to excellence despite financial constraints.

Addressing the critical issue of limited resources, Hlomuka shared a profound perspective on how the province navigated the financial crisis that also had a spillover effect on their school nutrition programme. 

“Even from your home, you want many things, but you can’t get them. The little that you get, you appreciate it, and you use what you have.”

He believes that this philosophy extends directly to the education sector, where resourcefulness has become key to success.

The MEC said the provincial department’s strategy centres on comprehensive engagement, noting that “education is a societal matter. It needs everyone”.

Hlomuka said this approach involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and unions, to create a holistic support system for learners.

“We’re not focusing only on Grade 12. We’re also focusing on foundation, because a house that doesn’t have a proper foundation, that house is deemed to fail,” the MEC explained, emphasising the importance of early educational support. 

Despite significant budget challenges in 2025, the MEC remains optimistic.

The province has already begun the early opening of schools and is focusing on completing the syllabus ahead of time to allow for revision.

He expressed his gratitude to the teachers and learners who contributed to this achievement. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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In a comprehensive progress report, the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, Hubert Mathanzima Mweli, has revealed significant developments in South Africa’s education landscape, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges facing the nation’s school system.

“The National Development Plan drives the work that we do every day,” Mweli said, underlining the strategic vision guiding basic education.

“If you are in basic education, when you wake up every morning, what will come to your mind is to deliver on the imperatives of the National Development Plan.”

Mweli provided a detailed technical briefing on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination cycle, including system readiness, marking and moderation processes, standardisation outcomes and integrity assurance measures.

The technical briefing took place at the Mosaïek Church in Fairlands, Johannesburg, ahead of the official announcement of the 2025 NSC examination results by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Monday evening.

WATCH | Matric results technical briefing 

According to the Director-General, the education sector has experienced substantial growth. “We’ve seen the growth of over 200 000 learners that got into the system.” 

Challenges 

However, he candidly acknowledged that this growth has not been proportionally matched by an increase in teachers or schools.

The report addressed multiple challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning.  

“This class experienced a number of disruptions,” he said, referring to the Class of 2025, which started Grade 8 in 2021 at the height of the pandemic.

The pandemic led to rotational timetables, reduced contact time with teachers and a curriculum that was not fully covered.

Vocational training

The Director-General (DG) stressed the critical importance of vocational training. “The future holds better for those who follow the technical scheme,” he said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since challenged the department to increase technical subject enrolments, with an ambitious goal of establishing “a technical school for every circuit” in the country.

The presentation highlighted growing support for learners with special educational needs. 

“Experts are saying you also measure [a country’s development] by the extent to which it looks after its most vulnerable,” the DG explained, noting an increase of over 4 000 learners with special education needs.

While celebrating the successful management of national examinations, Mweli did not shy away from discussing challenges. 

He acknowledged a leaked question paper incident, praising the national investigation team for their diligent work during the festive season.

READ | Results of alleged 2025 matric exam cheats to be delayed

One of the most positive notes was the performance of female learners.

“Female learners are doing exceptionally well. The data seems to tell a different story… girls are coming back, and girls are coming back better than boys.”

Future outlook

The Director-General remained optimistic, emphasising the continuous improvement and commitment to educational excellence. 

“We need to up our psychosocial support, not only in Grade 12, but even from the lowest grade, covering both learners and teachers,” he concluded.

Mweli revealed remarkable progress in the country’s educational landscape, showcasing an impressive 82% success rate and an upward trajectory that challenges previous expectations.

“I told people this, that I served in this sector when we’re at 50% and below 50% and below, we never tried that it would happen in our in our lifetime that will have a performance at 80%,” said the Director-General. 

“I challenge colleagues. I said 90% must happen in our lifetime.”

Meanwhile, provinces like Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal have emerged as leaders in various academic metrics. 

Mpumalanga leads in progress learners’ performance with 54.30%, while KwaZulu-Natal dominates in bachelor passes and distinctions.

The Director-General highlighted a “silent revolution” where the distribution of bachelor passes is becoming more equitable.

“In 2000 and before, 80% of bachelors were accounted for by 20% of affluent schools. In 2025, you can see we’ve moved leaps and bounds.

“In the next five to 10 years, we need to look at 80% of bachelors coming from quintile one to three schools,” he said. 

The presentation acknowledged slight performance drops in some areas, particularly noting that learners receiving social grants saw a percentage decrease from 86.06% to 77.70%, though the absolute number of passing learners increased.

“There’s no justice for human beings,” the Director-General stated, emphasising that every learner deserves an opportunity, including progressed learners who can still achieve remarkable results. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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