Parliament, Friday, 19 January 2024 – The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo, extend their warmest congratulations to the matric class of 2023 for achieving an unprecedented and record-breaking pass rate in the recently announced National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. The class of 2023, boasting an impressive 82.9% overall pass rate, not only attained the highest pass rate in the history of the NSC but also set records for the largest number of Bachelor passes and distinctions in NSC exam history. The data presented by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga on Thursday, demonstrated a positive trend in the age profile of NSC exam candidates (comprising 897 775 full-time and part-time students in 2023), with 88.2% of full-time candidates and 47.8% of part-time candidates falling within the 16 to 20 age range at enrolment. Over the past decade, the NSC pass rate has consistently improved, rising from 60% in 2009 to over 80% in recent years, with a 2.8 percentage point increase observed in 2022, when it reached 80.1%. The Free State province emerged as one of the top three performers, securing the highest pass rate of 89%, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with an 86.4% pass rate, and Gauteng as the third-best performer with an 85.4% pass rate. Notably, Limpopo displayed significant improvement, with a remarkable 7.4 percentage point increase in its pass rate, climbing from 72.1% in 2022 to 79.5% in 2023. Said the Presiding Officers: "The significant rise in the pass rate serves as a testament to the power of collaboration among all stakeholders within the education sector. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all involved, including the dedicated teachers and diligent learners who have shown unwavering commitment. We commend Basic Education Minister Ms Angie Motshekga and provincial education leadership for creating the necessary policy frameworks and conducive infrastructure that facilitated such remarkable progress. Parliament remains committed to utilising its legislative oversight tools and instruments to ensure a sustained enhancement of the education sector. Our dedication stems from the belief that investing in the education of our youth is one of the most profound investments we can make in securing a brighter future for our nation. Young people are the cornerstone of our future and education is the cornerstone of their success." The figures also revealed that girls constituted 56.4% of the total number of exam candidates, while boys accounted for 43.6%. Of the female candidates, 42% achieved Bachelor passes, compared to 39.6% of male candidates. Furthermore, 26.1% of girls and 28.6% of boys attained Diploma passes. In terms of Higher Certificate passes, 14.8% were earned by girls and 14.6% by boys. Notably, girls secured the majority of distinctions, with 64% of all distinctions achieved. These statistics represent a promising stride toward advancing gender equality and fostering future economic emancipation for women in our nation. We are witnessing a positive shift in educational opportunities and outcomes, which underscores the potential for greater female representation and influence in fields traditionally dominated by men. These achievements not only empower young women but also contribute significantly to a more equitable and prosperous future for our nation. ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Media Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo
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