By Rorisang Modiba
- Education minister says matric is not passed by getting 30 percent overall but by meeting subject requirements.
- The government warns learners that they need the right subjects and marks to study further or find work after school.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has asked South Africans to stop spreading the idea that 30 percent is a matric pass mark.
Speaking during the release of the 2025 matric results on Monday night, Gwarube said slogans and simple numbers do not help learners do better at school.
She explained that matric is passed by meeting minimum requirements across different subjects, not by getting 30 percent overall.
Gwarube said learners must get the right marks in the right subjects to open doors after school.
These include studying at universities, TVET colleges or joining other training programmes.
She said different pass levels lead to different opportunities, and learners need to understand this clearly.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane supported her message.
He said Gauteng works with a minimum target of 40 percent. He explained that 30 percent applies only to one non gateway subject and should not be seen as a full pass.
Concerns were also raised about subject choices.
Only 34 percent of the Class of 2025 wrote mathematics. Most learners chose mathematical literacy instead.
Mathematics is important for many careers and further studies.
Gwarube said she is encouraged by a small increase in learners taking mathematics, accounting, physical science and technical subjects.
She called this a positive move.
However, she warned that letting more learners take these subjects is not enough.
Learners need strong basic skills and confidence to succeed.
Without proper support, she said, taking gateway subjects will not lead to better results or real chances in the economy.
Pictured above: Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during the release of the 2025 matric results.
Image source: @DBE_SA
