The DBE is continuing its upwards trajectory of achieving the key objectives outlined in the Action Plan to 2019: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2030. Central to this vision is the commitment to providing education of the highest quality. The standard of education in South Africa can be observed through the performance of successive matric cohorts, as reflected in the outcomes of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
According to the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, the sector bears the responsibility of creating an education system that uplifts individuals, produces the skills required to drive economic growth, and strengthens the fabric of the nation: “As a country, we have been largely successful in improving access to basic education. “Currently, 98% of all children between the ages of seven and fifteen are enrolled in schools. In 2013, we recorded 1,222,851 learners starting Grade 1. Of these, 724,156 enrolled as full-time candidates in Grade 12 in 2024. It is important to note that this does not mean that those who did not enrol for Grade 12 in 2024 have dropped out of our education system. This misconception persists, yet, many learners choose alternative pathways after Grade 9 such as enrolling at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges whilst others progress at different rates, opt for part-time study, or change subjects”.
The Minister further highlighted that nearly half of the learners who sat for the 2024 NSC examinations obtained Bachelor passes, with 47.8% qualifying for admission to Bachelor studies. This represents a significant improvement from 2023’s 40.9% and marks the highest proportion of Bachelor passes in recent history. More importantly, it signals increased readiness for higher education and training. In 2014, the Basic Education Sector produced 150,752 Bachelor passes. A decade later, this figure has more than doubled, reaching 337,158 in 2024. “It is also encouraging to observe that provinces with the highest learner enrolments are simultaneously achieving the greatest number of Bachelor passes,” the Minister added.
Admission to tertiary institutions is determined by a candidate’s performance in the NSC examinations, which are categorised into four levels of achievement: National Senior Certificate, Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor passes.
To qualify for a National Senior Certificate, a candidate must achieve at least 40% in their Home Language (one of the three 40% subjects), 40% in three subjects, and 30% in three others. For a Higher Certificate, a minimum of 30% must be attained in the language of teaching and learning of the chosen higher education institution, as certified by Umalusi. Additional subject combinations may be required, depending on institutional and programme needs. To qualify for a Diploma, Candidates must achieve at least 40% (achievement rating of 3 – moderate achievement) or higher in four recognised 20-credit subjects, including the language of learning and teaching certified by Umalusi. Institutions may stipulate additional subject combinations and performance levels. To obtain a Bachelor Pass, candidates must meet all NSC pass requirements, including an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement, 50%–59%) or higher in four subjects.
The NSC overall pass rates over the past 8 years have been: 87.3% in 2024; 82.9% in 2023; 80.1% in 2022; 77.0% in 2021; 76.2% in 2020; 81.3% in 2019; 78.2% in 2018; and 75.1% in 2017. Through sustained effort and reform, the DBE continues to demonstrate measurable progress towards its goal of providing equitable, high-quality education for all South African learners, a cornerstone for national development and individual empowerment.