The 20245 school year began on 15 January, with classes starting on 17 January. This marked the end of the staggered calendar system, where learners in inland and coastal provinces started the school year on different dates.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) implemented this change to streamline the education system and create a consistent learning experience for all students. While the staggered calendar had accommodated regional weather patterns, the DBE believes the unified calendar will benefit all learners.
Release of 2023 Matric Results
The 2024 school year began alongside the release of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. The Matric class of 2023 achieved an 82.9% pass rate—an improvement of 2.8% from 2022 and 6.5% from 2021.
Former Minister Angie Motshekga announced the results on 18 January, highlighting KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng as top-performing provinces for Bachelor passes. Together, these provinces accounted for nearly half of all Bachelor passes nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal leading with 72,099 and Gauteng following with 56,552.
The Careers Portal Broke Down How Provinces Really Performed In The 2024 Matric Exams
BELA Bill Passed
In May, the National Assembly passed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which former Minister Motshekga called a "watershed moment" for education. The bill passed with 223 votes in favor and 78 against, introducing significant reforms:
- Grade R becomes compulsory.
- School Governing Bodies (SGBs) face reduced autonomy over admission and language policies, with final decisions now made by provincial heads of departments.
- Oversight of corporal punishment is reinforced.
While the bill aims to ensure fairness, critics worry it diminishes the power of SGBs.
New Education Minister Appointed
The May 2024 General Elections led to the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) after the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Siviwe Gwarube as the new Minister of Basic Education, replacing Angie Motshekga, who moved to the Defence portfolio.
Minister Gwarube's appointment stirred debate, as the Democratic Alliance (DA) opposed aspects of the BELA Bill. When Gwarube declined to attend the bill's signing, citing unresolved issues, President Ramaphosa delayed implementation of clauses related to language and admission policies by three months.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile now oversees policy resolution within the GNU and is tasked with resolving challenges around the BELA Bill.
Budget Challenges
In October, Minister Gwarube assured Parliament that no teaching posts would be cut in 2024, despite severe budget constraints. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) announced it would cut over 2,400 teaching posts due to a R3.8 billion shortfall over the next three years. This was largely attributed to the national government's decision not to fully fund the 2023 wage agreement.
Gwarube warned that cutting teaching posts would lead to larger classes, reduced individual attention, and lower education outcomes. While no teachers will be retrenched, vacant posts will remain unfilled. Similar challenges affect other provinces, with the DBE and National Treasury working to mitigate the impact.
2024 Matric Exams
The 2024 matric exams began on 29 October, with 732,448 full-time and 136,195 part-time candidates registered. Despite severe weather, technical issues, and violent incidents—including gang rapes—contingency plans were implemented to ensure exams continued.
Over 50,000 markers are working nationwide to complete grading. The results will be announced on 13 January 2025, with candidates receiving their results the following day. The release date was adjusted to align with the start of the 2025 school year.
