Gwarube highlights COVID-19 challenges faced by class of 2025

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Makgabo Reginah Mhaule celebrate one of the top achievers.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has reminded the country of the challenges the class of 2025 had to overcome including the COVID-19 pandemic in Grade 8.

This follows her announcement of an 88% matric pass rate at the Mosaïek Church in Fairlands, Johannesburg, on Monday.

It is the highest in the history of the National Senior Certificate. Gwarube commended the matriculants for their resilience and perseverance.

“Firstly, just to congratulate the class of 2025, I think it’s important for South Africans at home to remember, that this class was in grade 8- when COVID- 19 hit- and they were part of the cohort of people who were rotating to attend school. So, this class has not been without its challenges, they were essentially not prioritised when they got to high school, because of the pandemic- and so yet, in spite of all of that, they’ve pulled through and we’ve seen some remarkable outcomes. Most exciting for me, is some of our learners with special needs and learning disabilities.”

Hon. Minister of Basic Education announces NSC Matric results #classof2025 this evening.#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/iC85l51HYO

— KamoHabanyane (@KamogeloH_130) January 12, 2026