South Africa’s 2025 matric results have officially rewritten the record books, with an 88% national pass rate, improving on 2024’s 87.3%. While the increase may appear modest, it is historic, achieved by the largest matric cohort ever and with all provinces maintaining pass rates above 80%.
Below is a province-by-province comparison of matric results: 2025 vs 2024, highlighting where progress was sustained, slowed, or consolidated.
The results were announced by Siviwe Gwarube, following the release of the National Senior Certificate by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
National Overview: 2025 Builds on 2024 Momentum
- 2024 national pass rate: 87.3%
- 2025 national pass rate: 88%
Unlike previous years where gains followed smaller cohorts, 2025’s improvement came with over 900,000 candidates, making the achievement significantly more complex and meaningful.
Provincial Comparison: Matric Results 2025 vs 2024
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
- 2024: 89.5%
- 2025: 90.60%
- Change: +1.1%
KZN has cemented its position as a top-performing province, crossing the 90% mark in 2025. After strong growth in 2024, the province showed stability and consolidation, proving its improvements are sustainable.
Free State
- 2024: 91%
- 2025: 89.33%
- Change: −1.67%
After leading nationally in 2024, the Free State experienced a slight dip in 2025. However, it remains among the strongest performers, indicating a correction rather than systemic decline.
Gauteng
- 2024: 88.4%
- 2025: 89.06%
- Change: +0.66%
Gauteng continued its upward trajectory, showing steady improvement rather than dramatic swings. Given the province’s size and urban pressures, this consistency is a strong indicator of system resilience.
North West
- 2024: 87.5%
- 2025: 88.49%
- Change: +0.99%
Following its major leap in 2024, North West avoided regression in 2025. Instead, it recorded measured growth, confirming that last year’s gains were not temporary.
Western Cape
- 2024: 86.6%
- 2025: 88.20%
- Change: +1.6%
The Western Cape delivered one of the stronger improvements in 2025, continuing the positive trend started in 2024 and closing the gap with top provinces.
Northern Cape
- 2024: ±87%
- 2025: 87.79%
- Change: Slight increase
Although small in absolute numbers, the Northern Cape maintained stability and recorded marginal growth, an important achievement for a sparsely populated province.
Mpumalanga
- 2024: 84.9%
- 2025: 86.55%
- Change: +1.65%
After one of the biggest jumps in 2024, Mpumalanga continued improving in 2025, showing that its previous 7.9% surge was not a once-off event.
Limpopo
- 2024: 85.1%
- 2025: 86.15%
- Change: +1.05%
Limpopo sustained its recovery path, improving again in 2025. The province’s gradual upward trend reflects long-term system strengthening.
Eastern Cape
- 2024: 84.98%
- 2025: 84.17%
- Change: −0.81%
The Eastern Cape recorded a slight decline but remained above 84%, avoiding the sharp drops seen in earlier years. The province still faces challenges but has retained overall stability.
What Makes 2025 Different From 2024
Several factors make the 2025 results particularly significant:
- Largest matric class in history
- All 75 districts above 80%
- Higher proportion of Bachelor’s passes (46%)
- Less volatility between provinces compared to previous years
Rather than dramatic spikes, 2025 reflects consolidation and system-wide maturity.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between Matric Results 2025 and 2024 shows a system that is no longer driven only by sharp rebounds, but by sustained national performance. While some provinces dipped slightly, most either improved or stabilised, reinforcing the credibility of South Africa’s strongest-ever matric outcome.
As learners move into universities, TVET colleges, and skills pathways, the Class of 2025 stands on firmer ground than any cohort before it.
The post Matric Results: How Each Province Performed in 2025 vs 2024 appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.
