President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Matric Class of 2025 for achieving the highest National Senior Certificate pass rate in South Africa’s history, describing the results as a source of inspiration and encouragement for learners across the country.
More than 650 000 learners passed matric in 2025, resulting in an overall pass rate of 88%.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Ramaphosa extended his congratulations to the learners, as well as their teachers, families and communities, noting that every learner who sat for the examinations deserved recognition for their effort and perseverance.
“The matric results have shown a steady improvement over many years, both in the quantity and the quality of the achievements,” the President said.
He highlighted that these improvements have contributed to a significant rise in the number of South Africans over the age of 20 who hold a matric qualification, increasing from 30% in 2002 to 52% in 2024.
President Ramaphosa said the results reflected the value of continued investment in education and government’s efforts to ensure equitable access to quality schooling for all children, regardless of background or gender.
He noted that global evidence shows that educating girls is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty. In this regard, he welcomed the fact that more girls than boys wrote matric in 2025, with similar pass rates recorded between the two groups.
A higher proportion of girls achieved admission to Bachelor studies, while nearly twice as many girls obtained distinctions.
“This bodes well for the continuation of their studies at universities and colleges,” the President said.
The President also welcomed the strong performance of learners from disadvantaged communities, with more than two-thirds of all Bachelor passes coming from schools classified in quintiles 1 to 3.
He said this achievement demonstrated both the determination of learners and teachers in these communities, and the impact of interventions such as no-fee schools and the child support grant. When combined with expanded funding for poor and working-class students in higher education, the President said the results provide hope that many young people will be able to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
Special attention was also given to learners with special education needs, with 90% passing matric and 52% achieving Bachelor passes, both above the national average.
“Our task now is to ensure that more learners with special needs are able to write matric exams,” the President said.
Addressing challenges
While celebrating the historic results, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that significant challenges remain within the education system.
Of the 1.2 million learners who started Grade 1 in 2014, only 778 000 reached Grade 12 in 2025.
“That’s nearly half a million young people who left school before finishing,” he said, stressing the need to improve learner retention and completion rates.
The President also raised concern about declining performance in key subjects such as mathematics and accounting, despite increased enrolment. He emphasised that these subjects are critical for success in a rapidly changing economy.
In addressing these challenges, government is focusing on strengthening the foundations of learning. As the Class of 2025 received their results, the Class of 2037 began their first day of Grade 1.
President Ramaphosa said government has made Grade R compulsory and is expanding support for early childhood development centres, while also strengthening early grade reading, improving learning materials and prioritising teacher development in the early years.
“By investing in children at the start of their school career, by giving them a solid educational foundation, we are preparing them for success,” he said.
The President said government remains committed to ensuring that learners complete their schooling, excel in matric and go on to thrive in their future endeavours.
“The achievements of the Class of 2025 must inspire and encourage all the years of learners that are to follow,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
