-
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
South Africa’s education system has reached a historic milestone with the release of the latest National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, achieving a record 88% pass rate for 2025, an increase of 0.7% from the previous year and the highest in the country’s history.
Releasing the results on Monday in Johannesburg, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said this was the largest class in history to sit down for Matric results.
Gwarube emphasised the importance of these results as a testament to progress in national unity, economic growth, and social mobility, while commending the contributions of former education ministers, families, teachers and communities nationwide.
“Learners must receive an equal education to achieve what their dreams and heart desires.”
The minister reaffirmed the credibility and integrity of the examination process.
She said that a “rigorous quality assurance and swift action” took place where irregularities occurred.
Growing Bachelor passes
Meanwhile, a growing number of Bachelor passes now come from no-fee and rural schools.
Gwarube says this demonstrates that expanded educational opportunities is helping to break cycles of poverty.
“Poverty is not a destination/ destiny, where you come from doesn’t matter. Sustaining and expanding these gains, especially in early childhood education—is seen as key to preventing recurring inequality.”
