Northern Cape matric class records improved pass rate as SASSA applauds learners

THE South African Social Security Agency in the Northern Cape has congratulated the matric class of 2025 after the province achieved an 87.79 percent pass rate, marking a notable improvement on the 84.2 percent recorded in 2024.

The increase of 3.57 percent reflects the collective effort of learners, educators, parents, and communities across the province, who continued to push forward despite ongoing social and economic challenges.

SASSA highlighted that a significant number of the successful learners come from households supported through social assistance. According to the Agency, 11,710 matriculants from the class of 2025 in the Northern Cape are social grant beneficiaries. These learners receive support through programmes such as the Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and Foster Care Grant.

The agency stated that these grants play a vital role in supporting learners from vulnerable households by helping to cover basic needs, including food, transportation, school uniforms, and learning materials. This support, SASSA noted, creates greater stability at home and allows learners to focus on their studies.

Regional Executive Manager for SASSA in the Northern Cape, Karabelo Mojanaga, praised the achievements of the class of 2025 and underscored the importance of social protection in education outcomes.

“This achievement demonstrates the power of social support interventions in creating an enabling environment for learning. Social grants provide dignity and stability to vulnerable households, allowing learners to focus on their education despite difficult socio-economic circumstances,” Mojanaga said.

She added that continued investment in social protection contributes directly to long-term poverty alleviation and the development of human capital, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas such as the Northern Cape.

SASSA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s education and social development goals by ensuring that eligible beneficiaries continue to access social assistance without disruption. The Agency stated that it will continue to work closely with the Department of Social Development, the Department of Basic Education, and other stakeholders to help break the cycle of poverty and promote a more equitable society.

The Agency once again congratulated the class of 2025 and wished learners well as they move on to higher education, skills development opportunities and the world of work.