KwaZulu-Natal’s 2025 matrics are the best in the country, as was confirmed by the province’s achievement of a 90,6% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which was announced by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Monday evening. The national pass rate also increased to 88% since the previous year, which shows a 0,7% increase since 2024. KwaZulu-Natal, for the first time, secured its position as the top performer in the country.
The Free State is now second and Gauteng is in third place. Gwarube praised schools and pupils for working beyond their circumstances to achieve excellent results. We have seen that in township and no-fee schools, excellence is becoming a pattern.
Poverty is not a destination. Pupils are showing us that where they come from is not where they will end up. She said this was the largest cohort in the history of the NSC examinations to write, and encouraged schools and communities to support pupils in gateway subjects that open doors to further opportunities.
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The top 40 pupils, including at least eight pupils from KwaZulu-Natal were honoured at a special breakfast with Gwarube earlier on Monday. Among the top performers from KZN who were honoured were Simesihle Khuzwayo from Bhekuzulu High School in Zululand, Amahle Ngidi from St. Martin’s, and Thobane Shezi from the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf.
Nonduduzo Mkhize from Fulton School for the Deaf, Olwethu Dladla from Tugela Secondary School, Asanda Ndlela from Masibumbane High School, Ethan Naicker from Port Shepstone Secondary, and Senamile Tabate from Mathubesizwe Secondary School were also recognised. Dean of the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University, Professor Mbulu Madiba, said the great work being done in KZN has led to its success..
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