The newly appointed Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, delivered her first official address as she announced the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, marking a significant milestone in her tenure. The event, held in Pretoria on January 11, 2025, was highly anticipated, as it reflected the strides made under her leadership during her first six months in office.

Record-Breaking Results

In her announcement, Minister Gwarube revealed an impressive national pass rate of 87.3%, the highest in South Africa’s history. This represents a remarkable increase from the 82.9% recorded in 2023. She praised the efforts of learners, educators, and parents, attributing the success to collaborative efforts within the education sector.

“Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of the Class of 2024 but also the resilience and determination of our young people. This success demonstrates what is possible when we all work together toward a common goal,” said Gwarube.

Provincial Performance

Minister Gwarube highlighted the performance of each province, all of which exceeded the 80% pass rate benchmark:

Free State: Retained its top position with a pass rate of 91.0%.

KwaZulu-Natal: Achieved an impressive 89.5%, leading in the number of Bachelor passes.

Northern Cape and Mpumalanga: Showed the most significant improvements, with pass rates increasing by 8.3% and 7.9%, respectively.

She commended the Eastern Cape for its consistent progress, reaching 84.9%, a significant improvement for a historically underperforming region.

Focus on Quality Education

Beyond the overall pass rate, Gwarube emphasized the increase in Bachelor passes, which rose to 47.8%, up from 40.9% in 2023. This highlights a growing focus on preparing learners for higher education and future careers.

Challenges and Commitments

While celebrating the success, Minister Gwarube acknowledged ongoing challenges, including disparities in resource allocation, overcrowded classrooms, and infrastructure backlogs in rural areas. She reaffirmed her commitment to addressing these issues, outlining plans for:

Improved teacher training and support programs.

Accelerated school infrastructure projects.

Enhanced student support through tutoring and mental health services.

“While we celebrate today, we must not forget the work that lies ahead. Every learner, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to quality education,” she added.

A Message to Learners

Minister Gwarube ended her speech with a heartfelt message to the matriculants:
“To the Class of 2024, you are a beacon of hope for this nation. Your hard work and dedication inspire us all. Go forth and shape the future of South Africa with confidence and purpose.”

Looking Ahead

As Minister Gwarube leads the Department of Basic Education into 2025, the focus remains on sustaining and building upon these achievements. Her leadership has already set a tone of accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, promising a brighter future for South African education.