Class of 2025 social grant beneficiaries achieve strongest matric results to date

Social Development Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe stated that social grants are crucial for improving educational outcomes, citing the strong matric results of the Class of 2025. Speaking at the 2025 Grade 12 Social Grant Beneficiary Recognition and Report Launch, Tolashe highlighted the link between social protection and academic success, particularly for Child Support Grant recipients. Of the 729,650 pupils registered for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams, 614,102 were social grant beneficiaries, representing 84.2% of all candidates. While the national pass rate was 88%, social grant recipients achieved an 84.9% pass rate, a significant increase from 74% in 2021, marking their strongest performance yet. Tolashe emphasized that these results validate years of research, reinforcing the value of social grants as a long-term investment in human development that helps break cycles of poverty and strengthens household resilience. She noted that many grant-supported pupils are the first in their families to access tertiary education, becoming catalysts for change. The report also countered claims of Child Support Grant misuse, finding that grants are primarily used to improve children’s well-being, including education, health, and development. Tolashe commended the resilience of these pupils, stating that their achievements demonstrate how targeted social support can unlock potential and improve long-term prospects for South Africa’s youth.