Issued by Christo van der Rheede on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation:
The FW de Klerk Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their outstanding achievement in the National Senior Certificate (“NSC”) examinations. This year marks a historic milestone, as South Africa celebrates the highest-ever matric pass rate in the history of the country—an exceptional 87,3%, up from 82,9% in 2023.
The performance of the Class of 2024 is a testament to the resilience, dedication and hard work of learners, educators and families across South Africa. More than 615,000 learners passed their matric exams, with KwaZulu-Natal leading the way with 84,470 Bachelor passes, followed by Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. The impressive number of distinctions—319,651 in total—reflects a significant improvement, with increases in key subjects like Mathematics.
This historic achievement is not only a reflection of the learners’ efforts, but also of the transformative power of education in South Africa. As Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, mentioned, 67% of the Bachelor passes came from Quintile 1 to 3 schools, which are often located in poorer communities. This growth signals the success of initiatives aimed at providing educational support to disadvantaged areas, reinforcing that every child has the potential to excel, regardless of their background.
Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, said, “The results of the Class of 2024 show that South Africa’s youth are stepping up in unprecedented ways. We are seeing an education system that is maturing and delivering greater opportunities. As the Minister noted, this year’s results reflect a transformation that is not just about passing exams, but about creating the possibility of a brighter future for many.”
Ismail Joosub, Manager of Constitutional Advancement at the Foundation, added, “This achievement is a….continue reading this article HERE.
Gugile Nkwinti: {2009 – 2014} Before his later term, Gugile Nkwinti was also the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform from 2009 to 2014. He worked on policies aimed at addressing historical injustices related to land ownership and promoting sustainable rural development.

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