2025 National Senior Certificate Exam Outcomes & Second Chance Matric Programme; with Deputy Minister

The Committee was briefed on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination outcomes, systemic performance trends, infrastructure challenges, learner support, governance concerns, and quality assurance matters. The Department reported a 79% pass rate in the 2025 NSC examinations. While Members acknowledged the improvement, concerns were raised about the interpretation of the pass rate, learner throughput, Mathematics participation, and the definition of “quality passes.” Umalusi confirmed that the standardisation process does not compensate for poor teaching or curriculum weaknesses. The Chairperson of Umalusi emphasised that the NSC is internationally comparable and remains the strongest predictor of university success. Umalusi also reported the highest proportion of raw results accepted without adjustment (approximately 82%), indicating increasing system stability. Concerns were raised about declining Mathematics and Accounting results. The Director-General noted that Mathematics performance had improved in previous years and only declined in the latest cycle. Debate emerged around the narrative that privileges university-bound learners over those pursuing Technical Mathematics and vocational pathways. Umalusi highlighted persistent group copying in certain examination centres as a serious concern. High-risk centres had been identified and subjected to enhanced monitoring. The CEO of Umalusi stressed that educators involved in examination misconduct must face disciplinary action and possible referral to SACE. The Department confirmed that the national investigation task team had completed its work regarding the alleged examination leakage, and the implicated official remained suspended pending finalisation of forensic processes. Members expressed deep concern that approximately 200 000 matriculants cannot be accounted for in higher education, training institutions, or employment. A joint sitting involving Basic Education, Higher Education, Labour, and other relevant departments would be prioritised to address learner transition into post-school opportunities. The Umalusi Chairperson stressed that the schooling system should not be designed solely around university entry, but rather to produce an educated citizenry capable of economic participation and democratic engagement. Members reported schools operating in dilapidated conditions, overcrowded classrooms, combined primary and secondary arrangements, and long-standing uncompleted projects. The Committee resolved to convene a focused infrastructure engagement on 3 March and proposed inviting the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Provincial Education Departments, and National Treasury to account directly. Members expressed frustration with ongoing delays attributed to implementing agents. The Deputy Minister addressed concerns regarding learners in quintile 1–3 schools who are SASSA beneficiaries. Discussions were underway with the Department of Social Development to address the challenge of learners losing grant support upon turning 18 while still in Grade 12. Members raised strong concerns about School Governing Bodies requiring parents to fund essential learning materials such as textbooks. The Committee indicated that access to education should not depend on a parent’s ability to contribute financially. The Department clarified that not all undocumented learners are foreign nationals; some are South African citizens lacking documentation due to family circumstances. Joint interventions with the Department of Home Affairs were ongoing, though immigration-related matters remain complex. The Department outlined intervention measures for under-performing schools, including raising the performance threshold, deploying support teams, and strengthening district accountability. However, Members highlighted concerns about sustainability and inconsistent consequence management. Circuit manager accountability and alleged politicised appointments were also raised. The Department indicated that investigations and oversight mechanisms were in place. Members insisted that serious allegations, particularly those involving senior officials, should not be addressed solely through written responses and may require in-person accountability. Specific schools were flagged for urgent intervention.