Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Matric 2025: Record Results, Ongoing Challenges

Loading player...
South Africa’s Class of 2025 has reached a major milestone, achieving a record 88% matric pass rate, the highest in the country’s history. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube says this was also the largest matric cohort ever, with over 900,000 learners writing the final exams. KwaZulu-Natal topped the provincial rankings with a 90.6% pass rate, followed by the Free State and Gauteng. Phemelo unpacks what these results really mean with Basil Manuel from Naptosa, Sam Beynon from Equal Education, top-performing pupils from Institute Status Acres Combined School, Junior Zandile Nyoni and Nqobile Thakudi, and Deputy Principal Morris Kasirori, the school in Ekurhuleni managed to do well in the 2025 national senior certificate exams despite challenging infrastructure conditions.
13 Jan 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Joburg's fuel crisis raises concerns over service delivery

Johannesburg's financial troubles are under the spotlight after Roads and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene revealed that fuel services to the Johannesburg Roads Agency fleet have been suspended. The move has left vehicles responsible for pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance and emergency infrastructure inspections grounded, sparking concerns about the City's ability…
24 Jun 5PM 22 min

Parliament seeks answers over clash between IDAC and Crime Intelligence

Parliament is demanding clarity following a dramatic standoff involving the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and senior Crime Intelligence officials. The incident has raised fresh concerns about tensions within South Africa's security cluster, with questions mounting over accountability and law enforcement oversight. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson…
24 Jun 4PM 13 min

Thousands of Malawians stranded as repatriation efforts stall

Thousands of Malawian nationals remain stranded across KwaZulu-Natal as authorities battle logistical challenges in a large-scale repatriation process. Officials say limited transport capacity from the Malawian government has slowed efforts, forcing authorities to balance voluntary returns with deportation procedures. Phemelo speaks to KZN Premier spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha about the delays…
24 Jun 4PM 10 min

Campaign launched to reopen Joburg libraries on Saturdays

Civil society groups are calling on the City of Johannesburg to reopen public libraries on Saturdays, arguing that learners, job seekers and communities are being deprived of vital resources and safe public spaces. A petition has now been launched to pressure the City to restore weekend access. Phemelo speaks to…
24 Jun 4PM 6 min
All episodes