South Africa: Matric pass rate

The 2024 matric results to be released on January 13 will be scrutinised for signs of improvement in performance in maths and physical science, two critical gateway subjects for university admission.

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) graduates are likelier to find employment than those with humanities degrees, and the industries they find work in are important drivers of the economy. For this reason, the government’s medium-term strategy framework sets targets for the number of matric candidates achieving at least 60% for maths and science.

Speaking to The Citizen, education expert Hendrick Makaneta said that he is ”optimistic” about the 2024 matric exam results.

“My overall expectation for the matric results, I am very much optimistic that the results will demonstrate a slight improvement compared to the previous years,” he said.

Furthermore, Makaneta explained that rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Limpopo might see some increase despite challenges which include a lack of resources.

 “Some schools, especially those from poor communities, learners had to attend on weekends to try and catch up.

“Districts were able to put a lot of focus, by ensuring learners were able to attend regularly, especially the support programmes they had after school hours,” he added.

According to Makaneta, provinces such as Gauteng and Western Cape are likely to maintain a stronger academic performance due to the resources they have as well as the support structure they have.

Candidates are urged to collect their results

Furthermore, the DBE urged learners to collect their results at the centre where they sat for the NSC exams.

“Come get your original statement of your matric results from the 14th of January 2025,” the department announced on social media platform X.

Keep Reading

• SpaceX Launches Thuraya-4 for Enhanced UAE Mobile Connectivity
• Which Two North African Countries Are Partnering with the UAE on a New Economic Corridor?
• Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa signs bill abolishing the death penalty

Result queries should be submitted for investigation within 30 days after the release of results.

Candidates must ensure that names and identity numbers reflect correctly on their statement of results and report any required corrections to the Department before 21 February 2025.