South Africa’s 2024 Matric Results Series — the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has announced a milestone achievement for the Class of 2024, achieving an extraordinary 98.47% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations — the highest in five years.
Of these successful candidates, an impressive 89.37% qualified for a degree study, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence across private schools in South Africa.
More than 16,000 students from 275 venues nationwide wrote this year’s exams, demonstrating resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence despite the challenges of recent years. (Note, the 2024 NIC matric results will be announced since a separate event on the evening of Monday,, January 13).
Record-Breaking Highlights
This year’s results showcase the extraordinary achievements of IEB candidates as highlighted below:
- 16,304 candidates wrote the exams, including 14,990 full-time and 1,314 part-time students.
- A total of 149 candidates ranked in the top 5% across six or more subjects, earning distinctions in Life Orientation. Notable performances came from schools such as Midstream College (Gauteng), St David’s Marist Inanda (Sandton), Somerset College (Western Cape), and King David High Linksfield (Johannesburg).
- An additional 114 candidates excelled in five subjects, achieving distinctions in Life Orientation.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
IEB CEO Confidence Dikgole applauded the Class of 2024 for their ability to overcome adversity, particularly disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “In Grade 8, amidst the severe lockdown of 2020, they encountered disruptions to foundational learning, adapted to new modes of education, and navigated the psychological impacts of uncertainty and isolation. Their ability to overcome these obstacles highlights their determination and commitment, making their achievements in the 2024 NSC examinations even more commendable,” she said.
Furthermore, Dikgole addressed the negative influence of technology on students’ academic journeys. “Research suggests that smartphones may contribute to mental health issues and affect the ability of young people to focus on their studies, leading to shorter attention spans. Some schools have started limiting their use during school hours,” she said.
The increasing use of generative AI in education was another key consideration. “The Class of 2024 marks a generation increasingly shaped by technological advancements. While these tools support personalized learning, they underscore the need to cultivate critical thinking and responsible technology use in education,” Dikgole emphasised.
A Fair and Secure Examination Process
The IEB reinforced its commitment to fairness and transparency by employing stringent monitoring measures during the exams. Real-time electronic video surveillance was used at 274 of the 275 exam centres, with physical monitoring conducted at 66 venues. These efforts ensured the process was free of irregularities, safeguarding the validity of the results.
The Class of 2024’s stellar performance, marked by a 98.47% pass rate, is a shining example of what dedication, resilience, and innovative education can achieve.
As these graduates step into the next chapter of their lives, they set an inspiring precedent for academic excellence and perseverance.
*Need help with checking your 2024 matric results, see this guideline).
