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Historic NSC pass rate reflects the continued upward trajectory of the education system

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the Class of 2024 for their exceptional achievement, highlighting their dedication and the significant strides made in South Africa's Basic Education Sector. The overall pass rate for the NSC examination increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% with nearly half of the learners (47.8%) qualifying for admission to Bachelor studies and 319,651 distinctions achieved. Some of these increases were seen in key subjects, including Mathematics.

Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, announced the 2024 NSC results at the Mosaïek Church, Johannesburg on 13 January 2025. “The NSC examination process is an incredible logistical undertaking, involving almost 7,000 examination centres, over 160 question papers, 9.7 million scripts, over 72,000 invigilators and 52 000 markers at 180 marking centres. This occasion is not only a moment to recognise the accomplishments of our learners, but an opportunity for us as a country to reflect on the health of our Basic Education System at the start of 2025. A total of 615,429 learners passed the NSC examination; more than any other time in our history,” she added.

South Africa’s national education quality assurance body, Umalusi, approved the release of the NSC examination results on 13 January during a national media briefing. Umalusi Council Chairperson, Prof Yunus Ballim, proclaimed that no irregularities had been reported: “Umalusi is pleased that there were no detected cases of paper leakages or other irregularities that could have compromised the overall credibility and integrity of the examination”.

No-fee schools improved their pass rate from 81% in 2023 to 85.8% in 2024, another sign that the schooling system is maturing. A total of 73 out of the 75 education districts obtained pass rates higher than 80%. Learners from Quintiles 1 to 3 schools, which typically serve the poorest communities, have also made significant gains.

During the announcement, Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule expressed her thanks to MTN for their sponsorship; this is the 5th year that MTN has been hosting the release of the NSC results. She also expressed her appreciation to all sponsors who played a crucial role in support of the Class of 2024. Dr Mhaule cautioned South Africans against spreading misleading information regarding the NSC pass requirements: “In a nutshell, all that needs to be said is that 30% is not a pass mark in this country. If any candidate gets an aggregate of 30% in all subjects written, that candidate will surely fail”. The Deputy Minister further indicated that in support of the Class of 2024, various intervention strategies aimed at improving learning outcomes were implemented”.

MTN CFO, Ms Dineo Molefe, shared their vision for empowering the youth with the tools required to democratise education through technology, closing the digital divide to ensure that no learner is left behind. Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, provided an insightful overview of the NSC technical report.

Minister Gwarube presented a special Ministerial award to two top achievers who managed to excel regardless of personal challenges, comparing the resilience of the Class of 2024 to the protea, the national flower: “You have proven that determination and hard work can overcome even the most formidable challenges. As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, know that you carry the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation. To parents, I thank you for entrusting me with the future of your children. Being able to serve you is the biggest honour of my life, and for that I am eternally grateful,” she concluded.

The Class of 2024 39 top achievers were honoured during a Ministerial Breakfast held in Randburg, Johannesburg at the MTN Innovation Centre on 13 January ahead of the announcement of the NSC results. According to the Department of Social Development, out of 882,336 registered learners who sat for the 2024 NSC examination, 697,502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of registered learners.

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National Office
Address: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria
Call Centre: 0800 202 933 | callcentre@dbe.gov.za
Switchboard: 012 357 3000

Certification
certification@dbe.gov.za
012 357 4511/3

Government Departments
Provincial Departments of Education
Government Services

 

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