The announcement of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric results on 13 January marked a defining moment for South Africa’s Class of 2025, as thousands of learners received the outcomes of their final school year.
The national pass rate stood at 88%, with approximately 345,000 candidates achieving Bachelor passes, around 184,000 diploma passes, and just under 89,000 Higher Certificate passes. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest provincial pass rate at 90.6%, while Gauteng achieved 89.06%, marking its highest matric pass rate to date.
For many learners, the results open pathways to universities, TVET colleges, and training institutions, while others are considering learnerships, skills programmes, or entering the job market. The period remains emotionally significant, with both celebration and disappointment experienced across the country.
Parents and educators have also played a key role in supporting learners as they interpret their results and plan their next steps, while reflecting on overall progress in the education system.
As part of the 2025 Matric Results Announcements, the Telkom Foundation sponsored the provincial and national segments and hosted the Gauteng ceremony in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education at Telkom’s head office in Centurion. The event was attended by Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Matome Chiloane.
Top achievers were recognised during the ceremony, including LSEN learners, the overall top learner in Gauteng, STEM achievers, and learners who performed well despite socio-economic challenges. Bursaries were also awarded.
Telkom Foundation Executive for Corporate Social Responsibility, Judy Vilakazi, said: “Every matriculant deserves to feel seen, supported and hopeful about their future, no matter what their results sheet says.”
The Telkom Foundation says it continues to support learners through programmes such as Telkom Learn, focusing on digital access, ICT infrastructure, teacher development, and psychosocial support to help learners transition beyond school.
The foundation also provides counselling, coaching, and mentoring support for learners, teachers, parents, and guardians in partnership with Chillie SA (116) and Lifeline (0800-012-322).
The 2025 results period also highlighted resilience among learners who overcame significant challenges to complete their schooling, with nine learners from under-resourced schools across Gauteng and other provinces featured for their achievements.
