Deputy President Mashatile Urges Matrics to Seize Government-Supported Opportunities After Record-Breaking Pass Rate

Record-breaking results spark celebration and encouragement

South Africa’s Matric Class of 2025 has made history with a record-breaking 88% pass rate, up 0.7% from last year’s 87.3%. As students celebrated the long-awaited National Senior Certificate (NSC) results announced by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, Deputy President Paul Mashatile extended heartfelt congratulations while urging learners to make the most of government-supported opportunities.

“The Deputy President commends the matriculants for their resilience, discipline, and determination in reaching this important milestone,” said Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza. “Their achievement represents not only personal success but a critical contribution to the country’s future development.”

Encouragement for learners navigating challenges

Minister Gwarube acknowledged that not all pupils achieved the results they had hoped for. She emphasized that their journey is far from over, encouraging learners to explore rewrites, support programmes, and second-chance opportunities to improve their academic standing.

Social media reactions reflected a mix of celebration and hope. Many parents and learners expressed pride at the milestone, while others highlighted the importance of the government ensuring access to higher education and skills training for all students.

Government pathways for youth development

Mashatile underscored the importance of taking advantage of initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between schooling and employment or further study. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in young people and creating inclusive opportunities for participation in South Africa’s economy.

“Government-supported programmes can guide matriculants into higher education, skills development, and meaningful employment,” Khoza added, stressing that youth empowerment remains a national priority.

How results were published

This year, the Department of Basic Education confirmed the NSC results would be published in newspapers in a pseudonymised format, showing only examination numbers and results, without names, surnames, or ID numbers. This follows recent legal considerations involving the Information Regulator, ensuring student privacy while providing timely access to results.

The 2025 matric cohort’s achievement comes at a time when South Africa faces both educational and economic challenges. With government-backed opportunities, learners now have pathways to higher education, vocational training, and employment, offering hope for a future where their academic resilience translates into societal impact.

As the country celebrates this milestone, Mashatile’s message resonates: these young adults are not just matriculants, they are future leaders, innovators, and contributors to South Africa’s growth.

{Source: The Citizen}

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