Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe says the results show social protection breaks poverty cycles and drives academic success in Mzansi. Photo by Gallo Images
MORE than 614 000 social grant beneficiaries pass matric with 84,9% pass rate.
In a resounding endorsement of government’s social security system, over 614 000 social grant beneficiaries passed their matric exams in 2025, achieving an impressive 84,9% pass rate. The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, announced this on Sunday, 12 April.Â
Social grants drive academic success
Speaking at the 2025 Grade 12 Social Grant Beneficiary Recognition and Report Launch in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, Tolashe credited the Child Support Grant (CSG) for playing a pivotal role in supporting academic success.
“These young people have carried the hopes of their families through years of schooling,” she said.
According to the minister, 84,2% of matriculants were social grant beneficiaries, with the national pass rate standing at 88%.
“The data shows a notable increase from 74% in 2021, underscoring the positive impact of social grants on education outcomes,” she said.
Breaking the poverty cycle
Tolashe emphasised that social protection is a long-term investment in human development, breaking poverty cycles and strengthening household resilience.
“The evidence is clear: social protection works for our people,” she said.
She said many pupils supported by social grants are the first in their families to access tertiary education, positioning them as catalysts for change within their communities.
ALSO READ: Bitter ex-lover ‘burns’ boyfriend’s house after breakup!
“The report on matric outcomes reinforces the role of child social protection as a practical partnership between government and households, aimed at promoting child development and educational achievement,” she said.
Challenging misconceptions
Tolashe said the report also challenges the persistent misconception that the Child Support Grant is widely misused. Instead, it affirms that the grant is largely directed at improving children’s well-being.
Tolashe reflected on the resilience of pupils who have progressed through the education system with the support of social grants.
“What we are seeing is the outcome of decades of rigorous, data-driven analysis,” she said.
Outperforming expectations
Tolashe said statistics show that social grant beneficiaries are outperforming expectations. With thousands of pupils accessing tertiary education, the CSG is clearly a vital component of South Africa’s efforts to end intergenerational poverty.
“As the country celebrates the Class of 2025’s achievements, the government affirms its commitment to social protection as a key driver of human development and economic growth. Through our social protection measures, we are responding to the needs of our people,” Tolashe added.
Tembile Sgqolana
www.snl24.com
