KwaZulu-Natal leads with impressive 90.6% pass rate in NSC exams

In a landmark achievement hailed as the highest pass rate recorded since the dawn of democracy, the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, announced on Monday that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has topped the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations with an impressive pass rate of 90.6%.

The announcement came during a media briefing held at the Mosiek Church in Fairlands, where Gwarube highlighted the success of more than 656,000 learners who sat for the exams.

The results showcased a steady improvement in national performance, with the overall pass rate for 2025 reaching 88.1%, up from last year’s 87.3%. Following KZN, the Free State came in a close second with an 89.33% pass rate, while Gauteng followed with an 89.06% pass rate.

“This is tremendous progress and an endorsement of the hard work displayed by students across the nation,” Gwarube expressed, acknowledging the students' commitment in a year clouded by controversy.

Throughout the announcement, Gwarube commended the achievements despite the disturbing backdrop of a cheating scandal that emerged involving 40 learners from Tshwane. These learners are reported to have gained prior access to question papers and marking guidelines, leading to their results being withheld until further notice.

“Even as we celebrate progress, we must remain vigilant to uphold the integrity of our education system,” Gwarube stated, reiterating the commitment of the Department of Basic Education to ensure fairness and equity.

The event also featured a celebratory breakfast honouring the NSC Class of 2025's top achievers. In an inspiring address, Gwarube spoke to students, parents, teachers, and educational partners about the discipline and resilience necessary to combat academic challenges. “Excellence is not just about reaching the summit; it’s about the journey and the climb itself,” she reminded attendees, reinforcing the value of perseverance.

Furthermore, Gwarube noted the significant performance from KZN districts, with six out of the top ten districts hailing from the province. Collaborating with her deputy, Dr Reginah Mhaule, they acknowledged Umkhanyakude as the best-performing district, alongside Johannesburg in the rankings. “Today, we celebrate not just the learners, but also the educators and families who support them in this journey,” Mhaule added.

The results are set to be published across accredited newspapers, sparking further conversation about the future of education in South Africa. Gwarube’s address encapsulates the ongoing dialogue surrounding educational integrity and the role of academic achievement in fostering a more equitable society.

In a country where education holds substantial power for social cohesion, this year’s results are a reminder of the potential that lies within each learner.