The 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations concluded in November, with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) announcing the results on 13 January. Provincial education departments followed suit on 14 January, releasing results directly to students.
A significant portion of the 2024 matric class relied on social grants. 79% of participating learners were beneficiaries of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants.
In a statement released, the Department said:
Out of 882 336 registered learners who wrote the NSC, 697,502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of the registered pupils.
This included 657,980 Child Support Grant recipients and 35,200 Foster Child Grant recipients.
For Sassa beneficiaries who turned 18 and lost their grants, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is an available option. 3,092 matriculants applied for this R370 monthly grant.
NSFAS Bursaries For Sassa Beneficiaries
272,098 Sassa grant beneficiaries who were in matric applied for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Importantly, Sassa grant beneficiaries are automatically approved for NSFAS funding.
"According to the data received from NSFAS, 261 950 of these learners are provisionally accepted pending their results and acceptance in institutions of higher learning," said the Department.
The Department of Social Development sends good wishes to all beneficiaries of social development services, including social grants beneficiaries. Grade 12 examinations is a key barometer to measure the country’s educational system as well as measuring the educational outcomes of poor and vulnerable learners.
Recognizing the potential stress and anxiety surrounding matric exam results, the Department of Social Development has activated the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC). This center offers psychosocial support from professional social workers to students and their families.
The GBVCC is available from 12 January to 18 January 2025, and can be reached at 0800 428 428.
