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The matric class of 2025 has recorded the highest pass rate in the history of the country and was the largest cohort to write exams, it also broke the record in the number of bachelors passes. This is a group of record breakers, with all districts achieving a pass rate over 80%.
Following the announcement of the results on Monday, 12 January 2026, by the Minister for Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube, the Deputy President of South Africa Mr Paul Mashatile has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2025.
According to Mr Keith Khoza, the Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, Mashatile commends the matriculants for their resilience, discipline, and determination in reaching this important milestone, noting that their achievement represents both personal success and a critical contribution to the country’s future development.
Khoza says Mashatile encourages the matriculants to take advantage of government-supported opportunities aimed at supporting young people as they transition into higher education, skills development, and employment.
“The Deputy President reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in young people and creating inclusive opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society,” said Keith Khoza
According to Minister Gwarube, the class of 2025 achieved an 88% pass rate, up from 87.3% in 2024. She said despite challenges in gateway subjects, the class of 2025 has achieved a jaw dropping record breaking 345 000 bachelor’s passes.
For the first time in years, the Free State Province came in second to KwaZulu-Natal Province which obtained a 90.6% pass rate, while Free State obtained 89. 33%.
