The matric results for South Africa’s class of 2024 have set a new national record, with 87.3% of students passing their exams — the highest pass rate recorded since the advent of democracy. This remarkable achievement marks a 4.4% improvement from the 82.9% pass rate achieved in 2023.
The Free State emerged as the leading province with a stellar 91% pass rate, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 89.5% and Gauteng at 88.4%. The announcement, made by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, was met with celebrations as it highlighted the steady progress within the country’s education system.
2024 Matric Results: Key Achievements and Challenges
Minister Gwarube underscored the importance of focusing on the quality and equity of education. “A healthy schooling system is not measured solely by matric results, but by a comprehensive set of indicators that reflect its quality and its equity,” she noted.
She acknowledged the challenges many students face in mastering foundational skills, which remain crucial for long-term success. To address this, the Department of Basic Education plans to intensify efforts to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, aiming to improve outcomes at critical junctures in Grades 4, 10, and 12.
Improved Performance Across the Board
Out of South Africa’s 75 education districts, 73 achieved an 80% pass rate or higher, reflecting consistent improvements nationwide. Johannesburg West topped the charts as the best-performing district with an impressive 97% pass rate, followed by Fezile Dabi in the Free State at 93.5%, and Umkhanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal with 92.8%.
The results also brought good news for no-fee schools, which saw their pass rate increase from 81% in 2023 to 85.8% in 2024.
A Brighter Future for South Africa’s Youth
An impressive 47.8% of matriculants earned bachelor passes, enabling them to pursue university studies. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of bachelor passes at 84,000, with Gauteng following closely at 66,000. Notably, female students outperformed their male counterparts in achieving these qualifications.
Minister Gwarube highlighted the significance of these results: “This means that poorer communities are producing more candidates who can go on to become doctors, engineers, accountants, and scientists. This is the power of education to transform lives and uplift families, as Tata Nelson Mandela envisioned.”
On the subject of key subjects, there were gains in both maths and science, with 69% of students passing maths and 75% passing physical science. Additionally, the number of underperforming schools continued to decline, reflecting broader systemic progress.
Commitments to Future Success
Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed commitments to universal access to quality early childhood education by 2030, safeguarding teaching and learning time, and bolstering support for teachers.
“To the class of 2024: 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,” Gwarube said in her closing remarks.
Acknowledging Leadership and Teamwork
Gwarube extended her gratitude to the Basic Education Department’s Director-General Mathanzima Mweli for his unwavering dedication, commending his efforts in visiting districts across the country to ensure the success of the exams which is evident in the outstanding 2024 matric results.
The record-breaking matric results of the class of 2024 signify a milestone in South Africa’s education journey, offering hope for a brighter future driven by well-educated and determined young leaders.
Also read: 2024 Matric Results: IEB Students Achieve Record-Breaking 98.47% Pass Rate
