south african educationlatest news & developments
Star pupil: Imani Ravhulani. Photo: Midstream College Ekurhuleni

Top achievers buck national trend

Among them was Imani Ravhulani, who attained 10 distinctions

A record 98.31% of Grade 12 learners passed the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations administered by the Independent Examinations Board

IEB records 98.31% pass rate in 2025 matric exams

Nearly nine in 10 of Grade 12 learners who wrote examinations administered by the Independent Examinations Board qualified to study for a university degree

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme received a record 893 487 applications for the 2026 academic year

NSFAS receives nearly 900 000 applications, with women making up 66%

The student financial aid scheme said its appeals process would be open until 14 January

Images & caps
Public universities and colleges need to become more efficient and producee graduates that are more employable.

Public higher education institutions must shape up to serve national interests

A transformative approach is needed to improve management processes and teaching outcomes, making institutions more efficient and graduates more employable

Core books, readers, dictionaries and other print reference materials may seem old school but they can play a vital role in improving reading ability and boosting literacy. (Photo by Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Why books are still vital for literacy and learning

Hundreds of thousands of children don’t have access to the internet and need physical resources, such as dictionaries, to further their education

Libraries are enlightening settings, sanctuaries from the noise and problems of the world outside. Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images

Books are still vital for literacy and learning

Hundreds of thousands of children don’t have access to the internet and need physical resources, such as dictionaries, to further their education

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. (Photo: Gallo Images/Papi Morake)

‘You’ve done it!’

Record-breaking matric results: SA youth are overcoming adversity

DHL GradStar Awards 2023 – Top100

The ceremony was a momentous occasion to honour these students and celebrate their accomplishments