President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Class of 2024 for their remarkable achievements, describing their success as a testament to South Africa’s progress over the past 30 years of freedom and democracy. The Class of 2024 has set a new record with a pass rate of 87.3%, surpassing the previous year’s 82.9% and highlighting the country’s continuing strides in education.
The historic achievement is not only marked by a higher pass rate but also by the sheer number of learners passing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. This year, a total of 615,429 learners succeeded—making it the highest number of matriculants to ever pass in South African history. Of these, nearly half earned a Bachelor’s pass, and more than 320,000 distinctions were awarded, underscoring the high academic standards being achieved.
President Ramaphosa attributed the success to the unwavering dedication of the learners themselves and the progress made in the country’s education sector. He emphasized that these results are proof of the country’s efforts to dismantle the legacy of apartheid, which sought to perpetuate disadvantage and poverty. According to Ramaphosa, the Class of 2024 stands as a powerful example of resilience, pride, and agency in a generation that is determined to forge a brighter future for themselves and the country.
The President also expressed deep gratitude to the teachers, parents, guardians, school governing bodies, unions, and various contributors from both the public and private sectors who have been instrumental in nurturing and supporting the country’s educational system. He stressed that the doors of learning have been opened wider than ever before, a feat that will be celebrated as each new generation steps through successfully.
In his address, Ramaphosa called on government, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in providing even more opportunities for learners. He particularly highlighted the need to create spaces that inspire young people to pursue careers as entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators—championing self-reliance and ambition.
Looking ahead, the President noted that the achievements of the Class of 2024 must also serve as a catalyst for further addressing the ongoing challenges in the education sector and the broader economy. He expressed confidence that the Class of 2024 will contribute to solving these challenges, ushering in a future defined by greater opportunities and success for all South Africans.
