Social grants linked to improved educational outcomes for South African matriculants, says Minister Tolashe
via The Citizen2 min read
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.
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Must ReadThe Constitutional Court ruled on May 8, 2026, that Parliament acted irrationally in December 2022 by rejecting the referral of a Section 89 panel report to an impeachment committee. This decision mandates the National Assembly to establish an impeachment committee, as outlined in Rule 129I, to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa. The inquiry will focus on three potential grounds for removal: serious violation of the constitution or law, serious misconduct, or inability to perform duties. Key aspects of the investigation will likely include the origin of $580,000 stolen from Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in February 2020, which he stated was payment for buffaloes to Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa. Questions persist regarding the cash transaction, the non-delivery of the buffaloes, and why the money was not returned. The inquiry will also examine allegations of a cover-up, including the failure to report the burglary to the South African Police Service and the alleged involvement of Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, in a cover-up and unlawful cross-border activities. The storage of the cash for 44 days without declaration to the South African Reserve Bank, violating Exchange Control Regulations, will also be scrutinized. Following the committee's report, the National Assembly will vote on removal, requiring a two-thirds majority of 267 votes. The current Government of National Unity, comprising the ANC and its partners, holds 287 seats, indic
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