The 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results have been officially released, and South Africa’s matriculants have once again proven their resilience and dedication. This year’s matric class achieved an impressive 88% pass rate, marking an increase from last year’s 87.03% and setting a new record in the history of the country’s NSC examinations. The announcement was made by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a press briefing in Randburg, north of Johannesburg.
Minister Gwarube praised learners across the country for their hard work and perseverance, acknowledging the challenges many faced during the past academic year. “The class of 2025 has shown incredible determination and commitment to their studies,” Gwarube said, emphasizing that the results reflect both the learners’ efforts and the dedication of educators nationwide.
Among the provinces, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) emerged as the frontrunner, recording a remarkable 90.8% pass rate, securing the top spot in the national rankings. The Free State followed in second place, while Gauteng rounded out the top three performing provinces. These results highlight a significant improvement in the standard of education across the country and demonstrate the progress made in delivering quality learning to learners in various regions.
This year’s results also underscore the growing emphasis on academic excellence, with schools implementing innovative teaching methods and providing additional support to students to help them meet national benchmarks. Minister Gwarube also noted that, despite external challenges such as disruptions caused by weather and social factors, learners continued to show resilience and commitment to their education.
The top achievers in 2025 have set an inspiring benchmark for future matric classes. While the official list of individual learners has not been released in this statement, schools and provincial departments have already begun celebrating their top-performing students. These achievements serve as a testament to the value of hard work, dedication, and supportive learning environments.
While the focus is often on academic results, Gwarube reminded learners and parents alike to celebrate not just grades, but the personal growth, perseverance, and determination that students exhibited throughout the year. Many learners overcame personal and educational obstacles, from health challenges to adapting to hybrid learning models, proving that success is a combination of effort, resilience, and support.
In addition to public school achievements, private institutions continue to perform strongly. For instance, Independent Examinations Board (IEB) schools recorded a 98.31% pass rate, showing sustained high performance in the private education sector, albeit slightly lower than last year’s results.
The release of the 2025 matric results has sparked nationwide conversations about the future of education in South Africa. Educators, parents, and policymakers are now evaluating strategies to ensure continued improvement, addressing disparities between provinces, and supporting learners who face socio-economic challenges.
As the nation celebrates this historic milestone, Minister Gwarube called on the class of 2025 to be proud of their accomplishments and to carry forward the lessons learned into their next academic and professional endeavors. With determination and continued support, South Africa’s future matric classes are poised to reach even greater heights.
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