South Africa’s education sector has achieved a significant milestone with the announcement of the 2024 matriculation results. The Department of Basic Education has confirmed an impressive pass rate of 87.3%, marking a substantial increase from the previous year's 82.9%. This year not only set a new record for the highest pass rate since the dawn of democracy but also demonstrated remarkable improvements across all provinces.

Unprecedented Achievements

Minister Siviwe Gwarube highlighted during a national address that the 2024 matric class, consisting of over 705,291 candidates, has surpassed previous records, with more than 615,000 learners successfully passing their examinations. The achievement is notable as the highest number of successful candidates in the nation's history.

Bachelor Passes and Distinctions

The number of learners achieving bachelor passes has soared to 47.8%, equating to 337,158 matriculants, up from 40.9% in 2023. The year also saw learners earning over 319,000 distinctions, a testament to their hard work and dedication. KwaZulu Natal stood out with the highest number of bachelor's passes.

Provincial Triumphs

Every province in South Africa not only met but exceeded expectations with pass rates soaring above 84%. Here’s a breakdown of the phenomenal rise in pass rates per province:

• Free State: From 89.0% in 2023 to 91.0% in 2024.
• KwaZulu Natal: From 86.4% to 89.5%.
• Gauteng: From 85.4% to 88.4%.
• North West: From 81.6% to 87.5%.
• Western Cape: From 81.5% to 86.6%.
• Limpopo: From 79.5% to 85.1%.
• Mpumalanga: From 77.0% to 84.9%.
• Eastern Cape: From 81.4% to 84.9%.
• Northern Cape: From 75.8% to 84.2%.

Accessing Results

Learners can access their results from various channels:

• Directly at their schools or institutions post 12:00 PM on release day.
• Online through the Department of Basic Education’s website, with no data charges applied.
• Via SMS by texting their ID and exam numbers to designated numbers.
• Through major South African newspapers once the results are published.

Looking Ahead

This year's results not only reflect the resilience and determination of South Africa's youth but also the robustness of the educational policies implemented by the Department of Basic Education. The nation looks forward to building on these achievements and continuing to enhance the educational landscape for future generations.

Congratulations to all the matriculants of 2024! Your hard work has paved the way for promising futures, and the entire nation celebrates your success. Here's to your dreams and the incredible journeys ahead!