The 2024 matric results have been announced, and South Africa is celebrating a historic achievement with a record-breaking 87.3% Matric Pass Rate. This remarkable milestone, unveiled by the Department of Basic Education, represents a significant step forward for the country’s education system.
More than 615,000 learners passed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, establishing a new standard of excellence and progress.
2024 Matric Results: A New Record in the Matric Pass Rate
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Dwarube shared the news during a national address on January 13, 2025. While emphasizing that the Matric Pass Rate is only one measure of success in education, she highlighted its importance as a key indicator of progress.
Over the last decade, South Africa’s Matric Pass Rate has shown steady improvement—from 60% in 2009 to over 80% in recent years.
The 2024 Matric Pass Rate of 87.3% surpasses last year’s record of 82.9%, cementing the Class of 2024’s place in history as one of the most successful cohorts. This achievement reflects the dedication of learners, teachers, and government efforts to improve education.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Matric Pass Rate
1. Historic Number of Passes
Out of the 724,311 learners registered for the NSC exams, 705,291 sat for the tests, and over 615,000 passed. This unprecedented number of successful candidates demonstrates the strength of South Africa’s education system and its commitment to excellence.
2. Improved Bachelor Pass Rate
One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 Matric Pass Rate is the significant rise in Bachelor passes. These are learners who qualify to enroll in degree programs at universities. The Bachelor pass rate increased from 40.9% in 2023 to 47.8% in 2024—a 6.9 percentage point improvement. KwaZulu-Natal led the country in the number of Bachelor passes.
3. Higher Distinction Count
The number of distinctions awarded this year exceeded 319,000, with every province contributing to this achievement. Learners excelled across subjects, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and languages.
Provincial Performance: Matric Pass Rate Across South Africa
Each province achieved a Matric Pass Rate above 84%, underscoring the consistent improvement nationwide. Here is a detailed breakdown of the results:
| Province | 2023 Pass Rate | 2024 Pass Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free State | 89.0% | 91.0% | +2.0 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 86.4% | 89.5% | +3.1 |
| Gauteng | 85.4% | 88.4% | +3.0 |
| North West | 81.6% | 87.5% | +5.9 |
| Western Cape | 81.5% | 86.6% | +5.1 |
| Limpopo | 79.5% | 85.1% | +5.6 |
| Mpumalanga | 77.0% | 84.9% | +7.9 |
| Eastern Cape | 81.4% | 84.9% | +3.5 |
| Northern Cape | 75.8% | 84.2% | +8.3 |
The Northern Cape recorded the most significant improvement with an 8.3 percentage point increase, while Mpumalanga followed closely with a 7.9% increase. The Free State remains the top-performing province with a 91.0% Matric Pass Rate.
Recommended for you: Second Chance Matric Support Programme – Register Now, 7 February 2025 Deadline
Factors Behind the Improved Matric Pass Rate
Several key factors contributed to the record-breaking Matric Pass Rate in 2024:
1. Targeted Support for Learners
- Extra classes, weekend lessons, and holiday camps helped learners prepare effectively for their exams.
- Focused interventions in underperforming schools ensured better results across all provinces.
2. Teacher Training and Development
- Continuous professional development programs equipped teachers to deliver the curriculum more effectively, especially in critical subjects like Mathematics and Science.
3. Access to Resources
- Online learning materials, past exam papers, and study guides provided learners with the tools they needed to succeed.
- Investments in school infrastructure created better learning environments, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
4. Parental and Community Involvement
- Parents and communities played an active role in supporting learners, contributing to the higher Matric Pass Rate.
Read more: How to Get Your Matric Certificate After Receiving Results
Celebrating the Success of the Class of 2024
Minister Dwarube praised the resilience of the Class of 2024, noting that their achievement reflects not just academic success but also perseverance in the face of challenges. She also acknowledged the collective effort of teachers, parents, and communities in creating an environment conducive to success.
“The improved Matric Pass Rate demonstrates what is possible when we work together to support our learners,” Dwarube said.
The record-breaking 87.3% Matric Pass Rate achieved by South Africa’s Class of 2024 is a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and dedication. This historic milestone reflects the unwavering efforts of learners, teachers, parents, and the government to elevate the standard of education in the country.
