Only 61.6% of the 1.2 million full-time learners who enrolled in Grade 1 in 2013, wrote the final matric exams last year, according to the Education Department’s Director-General, Mathanzima Mweli. This means that over half a million learners did not write the exams in 2024. The Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, also yesterday announced the country’s Matric Pass Rate, which is the highest ever recorded.

61.6% of the 1.2 million learners who enrolled in Grade 1 in 2013, wrote the 2024 matric exams

Meanwhile, the teacher’s union, NAPTOSA has called on communities to support those who did not pass. This is because just over 12% of last year’s candidates had failed. A spokesperson for NAPTOSA, Basil Manuel says there are other opportunities for candidates to improve their marks, including applying to have exam papers marked again.

Allegations that Matric Results had been leaked to a third-party website

At the same time, as learners are heading to schools today to get their individual results, Minister Siviwe Gwarube says an investigation has been launched after it emerged that some matric learners allegedly paid R100 to get their results earlier than others. Weekend reports allege that the 2024 Matric Results had been leaked to a third-party website. The Minister says the Hawks are probing the case.

The National Pass Rate for Matrics increased

Last night, Minister Gwarube lauded the Class of 2024 as the National Pass Rate for Matrics increased from 82,9% in 2023 to 87,3% in 2024. She says this marks a significant moment for all South Africans. Last year’s Grade 12 learners received over 319,000 distinctions, with the Western Cape receiving the second-highest number. As for the performance of Provinces, the Free State came out on top (again) by obtaining a 91% pass rate. The Western Cape came in at number 5, by posting an 86.6% pass rate.

MATRIC RESULTS: The country’s top achiever

Once again, the country’s top achiever comes from the Western Cape. Rayyan Ebrahim from Pinelands High School joins the list of 7 learners from the Province who have received the title in previous years. He was at the awards ceremony in Midrand last night and says he’s excited about what the future holds.

PHOTO: Minister Maynier and Metro East district director Landeka Diamond.

Staying with Matric Results 2024 and Education MEC, David Maynier has commended local matric candidates, after the Province recorded an increase of more than 5% in Passes. The Western Cape also recorded the second-highest number of distinctions.

CLASS OF 2024: President gives his blessing

At the same time, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the achievements of the Matric Class of 2024 are evidence of progress. More than 615,000 learners passed the NSC exams last year, surpassing the pass rate at any other time in the country’s history. His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya says the President has asked people to work together to ensure matriculants have as many opportunities for success, as possible.