Social grants linked to improved educational outcomes for South African matriculants, says Minister Tolashe

Social Development Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe stated that social grants significantly improve educational outcomes, particularly for recipients of the Child Support Grant. Speaking at the 2025 Grade 12 Social Grant Beneficiary Recognition and Report Launch in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, Tolashe highlighted the strong performance of grant beneficiaries in the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams. Of the 729,650 pupils registered for the exams, 614,102 84.2% were social grant beneficiaries. While the national pass rate was 88%, pupils receiving social grants achieved an 84.9% pass rate, a notable increase from 74% in 2021, marking their strongest performance to date. 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 within their communities. 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.