Gauteng’s 2024 matric results have showcased some intriguing gender-based trends, with girls outperforming boys in achieving bachelor passes while boys excelled in mathematics and science. This year’s results bring attention to the ongoing gender dynamics in education and provide an opportunity for deeper reflection on the challenges and successes experienced by students in South Africa’s largest province.
Girls Lead in Bachelor Passes
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, revealed that 14,757 more girls than boys sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. Despite this higher enrollment of girls, boys had a slightly better overall pass rate. With 88.8% of boys passing compared to 88.2% of girls, the difference was minimal but still significant in the broader picture. However, the most noteworthy aspect of this year’s results lies in the proportion of bachelor passes, with girls outshining boys in this crucial category.
Bachelor passes are the highest level of matric results, qualifying students for university entrance. In 2024, 52.7% of girls achieved bachelor passes, while 47.2% of boys reached the same milestone. This marks a major achievement for female students in Gauteng and suggests a growing trend in their academic success, particularly in the competitive race for university places.
The increase in bachelor passes is particularly significant in the context of Gauteng’s educational landscape, where the competition for university spots is fierce. This year’s improvement—rising from 44.3% in 2023 to 52.7% in 2024—signals a promising future for girls in the province and highlights the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting female learners.
Boys Excel in Mathematics and Science
While girls excelled in bachelor passes, boys took the lead in two key subjects: mathematics and science. Gauteng’s performance in these subjects has always been a point of interest, given their importance in shaping future career opportunities in fields such as engineering, technology, and medicine. According to MEC Chiloane, despite the strong performance of girls in bachelor passes, boys consistently outperformed girls in both mathematics and science.
This gap in performance raises important questions about the underlying reasons behind the disparity in these subject areas. As Chiloane pointed out, the difference does not necessarily indicate that boys are “smarter” than girls in mathematics and science. Rather, it highlights the need for further efforts to address the challenges faced by female students in these fields.
The underrepresentation of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects is a well-documented issue in many parts of the world, and Gauteng is no exception. This year’s results indicate that while girls are making strides in areas such as bachelor passes, additional support and encouragement may be needed to increase their participation and performance in mathematics and science.
Chiloane’s comment underscored the need for targeted interventions to break down barriers and provide girls with the confidence and resources to excel in these traditionally male-dominated subjects. The gender gap in mathematics and science also highlights the broader societal issues at play, including cultural stereotypes and gender biases that can discourage girls from pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Overall Gauteng Matric Results: A Positive Outlook
In total, approximately 133,000 full-time students wrote the 2024 NSC exams in Gauteng, with more than 117,000 passing. This resulted in a provincial pass rate of 88.4%, a positive reflection of the province’s education system. The increase in bachelor passes—52.3% in Gauteng compared to 44.3% in 2023—demonstrates significant progress in preparing students for higher education.
On a national level, the pass rate for the 2024 NSC exams stood at 87.3%, with almost half of the candidates qualifying for bachelor’s degree admission to university. Gauteng’s performance was just slightly above the national average, reinforcing the province’s position as an educational leader in South Africa.
The Gender Divide in Education: Moving Forward
While Gauteng’s 2024 matric results indicate that girls are closing the academic gender gap in certain areas, challenges remain. The province’s impressive bachelor pass rates highlight the success of initiatives aimed at boosting the academic performance of female students, but boys continue to dominate in critical subjects like mathematics and science. Addressing this divide will require continued efforts to provide all students—regardless of gender—with the support, encouragement, and resources they need to succeed in all fields of study.
As MEC Chiloane noted, the difference in subject performance is not a matter of innate ability but rather one of addressing systemic challenges. For girls, this might mean increasing access to mentorship, STEM programs, and subject-specific support to encourage higher participation and performance in mathematics and science. For boys, there may be a need to focus on strategies that promote balance and encourage greater interest in non-STEM subjects where girls have excelled.
A Bright Future for Gauteng Students
The 2024 Gauteng matric results are a testament to the hard work and resilience of both girls and boys. With girls excelling in bachelor passes and boys leading in mathematics and science, the educational landscape is evolving, offering opportunities for all learners to shine. However, to build on this progress, it is crucial to continue addressing the gender disparities in specific subject areas and ensure that all students, regardless of gender, are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The significant improvement in bachelor passes and overall pass rates paints a hopeful picture for Gauteng’s educational future, setting a high standard for the rest of the country to follow. As we look ahead, these results offer a valuable insight into the areas of strength and growth in the province’s education system. By focusing on reducing gender gaps in key subjects and continuing to support all learners, Gauteng can foster an environment of academic excellence and innovation for years to come.
