Statement by ACDP MP, Wayne Thring

Issued by the African Christian Democratic Party

ACDP congratulates class of 2025 on historic 88% pass rate

Jan 12, 2026

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) proudly acknowledges the remarkable efforts of all candidates who successfully sat for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

We congratulate the class of 2025 for achieving a historic pass rate of 88%, with all the country’s 75 districts having scored pass rates over 80%. It was announced that 46% of the passes were for bachelor’s degrees, 28% for diplomas, and 13.5% for higher certificates.

The ACDP, however, remains extremely concerned about our high drop-out rate which mainly comes as a result of our dysfunctional education system’s many infrastructural shortcomings that continue to negatively impact several thousands of learners each year.

Our basic education system needs more than just enhancement; it requires a massive overhaul with clear plans and pin-point execution by capable and exemplary God-fearing men and women to ensure that each child can read for meaning and do basic mathematics. The ACDP will continue to champion the cause for educational reform and parental rights in education. Every child without a quality education increases the inequality gap that exists in our nation.

The ACDP would like to remind all those who did not succeed in their final exams that their value is not measured only by academic results. This outcome does not define the full extent of your abilities or future potential.

We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, parents, caregivers, loved ones, and officials who have stood alongside our matriculants throughout 2025, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Pass rates per province:

  • KwaZulu-Natal — 90.60%
  • Free State — 89.33%
  • Gauteng — 89.06%
  • North West — 88.49%
  • Western Cape — 88.20%
  • Northern Cape — 87.79%
  • Mpumalanga — 86.55%
  • Limpopo — 86.15%
  • Eastern Cape — 84.17%
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