The province of KwaZulu-Natal shone bright as it was crowned the top performer in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, achieving an overall pass rate of 90.6%. This marks a 1.1% increase from 2024, replacing the Free State as the nation’s leader. The result was announced by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Monday, 12 January.
During her speech, the minister shared that the national overall pass rate was 88%, an improvement from 87.3% in 2024. “This is the highest pass rate in our country’s history. In 2025, over 656,000 learners passed the National Senior Certificate. That figure carries the effort of teachers, learners and families in every corner of our country,” she said.
KZN featured prominently in the national top ten districts, with six placements: Umkhanyakude, Pinetown, Umlazi, Ugu, Ilembe, and Amajuba. The provincial results, from ninth to first, were: Eastern Cape (84.17%), Limpopo (86.15%), Mpumalanga (86.55%), Northern Cape (87.79%), Western Cape (88.2%), North West (88.49%), Gauteng (89.06%), Free State (89.33%), and KwaZulu-Natal (90.6%).
Durban North, which falls under the uMlazi district, contributed significantly to the province’s success. Every school in the area achieved a pass rate of at least 87%. Oakridge College led with 100%, followed by Danville Park Girls’ High School and Northlands Girls’ High School tied at 99.4%. Northwood School achieved 97.5%, Durban North College 95.2%, Avoca Secondary School 91.7%, and Sea Cow Lake Secondary School 90.4%. Effingham Secondary School and Parkhill Secondary School achieved 89.8% and 89.6% respectively.
Parkhill top achiever Bandile Sibiya was overjoyed to receive seven distinctions. He said: “I am so grateful because all the hardworking finally paid off.” He attributed his success to discipline and determination.
Bandile achieved a distinction in every subject: Life Sciences, Life Orientation, isiZulu, History, Mathematics, Physical Science and English.
Muzi Mahlambi, KZN Department of Education spokesperson, said the province’s performance was due to an academic improvement programme launched three years ago. “After each set of results, we sit down to see what worked and what didn’t, then we consolidate and roll out interventions. We created camps, early morning classes, late afternoon classes, weekend classes. We would like to thank our educators for their dedication and resilience demonstrated throughout the year despite the challenges we experienced as a province, as well as the teacher unions and other stakeholders for their support.”
Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli attributed the achievement to collective collaboration among educators, unions, learners, parents, school governing bodies, the Department of Education and the KZN Executive Council. “These results reflect what is possible when we work together with a shared vision and purpose. The success of the Class of 2025 is a testament to disciplined leadership, committed educators, resilient learners and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.”
