The wait for the 2024 matric examination results is nearly over, and students across South Africa are on edge as they eagerly await the outcome of their hard work.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that the 2024 matric results will be released on Monday, January 13, 2025, just in time for the start of the 2025 academic year, which begins on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
This year’s release promises to be as pivotal as ever for the students and their families.
Key Dates to Remember for 2024 Matric Results
Here’s what you can expect over the next few days leading up to the results:
- Monday, 13 January 2025: The Department of Basic Education will announce the national matric results.
- Tuesday, 14 January 2025: Individual matric results will be available both at schools and on official DBE platforms online.
This marks a crucial time for South African students, and the results will shape the trajectory of their future plans.
A Look Back at Matric Pass Rates in Recent Years
Over the past years, the pass rates have shown significant growth.
In 2023, the pass rate reached an impressive 82.9%, continuing the upward trend from previous years.
Here’s a glance at the percentage pass rates for the last 15 years:
- 2009: 60.6%
- 2010: 67.8%
- 2011: 70.2%
- 2012: 73.9%
- 2013: 78.2%
- 2014: 75.8%
- 2015: 70.7%
- 2016: 72.5%
- 2017: 75.1%
- 2018: 78.2%
- 2019: 81.3%
- 2020: 76.2%
- 2021: 76.4%
- 2022: 80.1%
- 2023: 82.9%
The question now is: will the class of 2024 top this impressive achievement? Time will tell.
Melissa Muller’s Success as the Top Matriculant of 2023
In 2023, Melissa Muller from Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch was the best performing matriculant in the country, securing the top spot out of 717,377 students.
Her incredible achievement came after a year of hard work and dedication, and she is set to study mechatronics engineering at the University of Stellenbosch in 2024.
Melissa, who was also a key player in her school’s water polo and hockey teams, offered some valuable advice for the class of 2024.
She emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with schoolwork to avoid last-minute cramming and the benefit of having a strong support system in place, especially during stressful exam periods.
Outstanding Candidates Across South Africa
Each province in South Africa produced remarkable students, with many excelling in different fields. Some of the top achievers in various regions and subjects include:
- Public Schools: Melissa Muller (Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch)
- Independent Schools: Ethan Myers (Herzlia High School, Vredehoek)
Quintile Top Performers
- Quintile 1:
- Irvis Zibusiso Chisale (Simtfolile Secondary School, Mpumalanga)
- Nomfundo Neliswa Mthembu (Ntulabakayise Secondary School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Quintile 2:
- Jonas Kgakisho Moshabi (Seritarita Secondary School, Limpopo)
- Mavhungu Ramonia Mbedzi (Patrick Ramaano Secondary, Limpopo)
- Quintile 3:
- Zonke Hope Thwala (Siphesihle Secondary School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Kamohelo Katleho Neo Mosikili (Selelekela Secondary School, Free State)
- Quintile 4:
- Ziphozenkosi Sibongakonke Mtambo (Khombindlela High School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Simlindele Thandolwethu Khumalo (Masibumbane High School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Quintile 5:
- Jaskaran Rajaruthnam (Westville Boys’ High School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Jarred Ryan Ben (Wynberg Boys’ High School, Western Cape)
Top Performers in Key Subjects
- Mathematics:
- James Michael Dent (Westville Boys’ High, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Jean Goodney (Hoerskool Oos Moot, Gauteng)
- Physical Science:
- Uphile Shange (Sidelile High School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Bhekumuzi Eliah Mnisi (Kwamhlanga Secondary School, Mpumalanga)
- Technical Sciences:
- Zethembe Lihle Mbhele (Indonsa High School, KwaZulu-Natal)
- Thakasile Ayabonga Zungu (Madiba Secondary School, Gauteng)
Special Needs Education
- Nizibone Victor Mapolisa (Athlone Skool Vir Blindes, Western Cape)
- Karabo Prince Modika (Setotolwane Secondary School, Limpopo)
Looking Ahead to 2024’s Matric Results
The excitement is palpable as South African matriculants wait for their results.
As the class of 2024 prepares for the official announcement, many hope to follow in the footsteps of past achievers like Melissa Muller and make their mark in the country’s educational history.
Whether the pass rate continues to climb or faces new challenges, one thing is certain—the journey of the class of 2024 will be remembered.