South Africa’s historic 88% matric pass rate is a national milestone worth applauding, a powerful reflection of the steady progress and promise across our schooling system.
The 2025 results also offer an important opportunity to look more closely at subject-level trends that are critical to South Africa’s long-term economic and governance ambitions, particularly mathematics and accounting.
While overall outcomes are encouraging, participation and performance in these gateway subjects continue to present challenges. In 2025, the mathematics pass rate declined from 69% to 64%, while accounting dipped from 81% to 78%. More significantly, fewer learners are choosing to take these subjects at all, narrowing the pipeline into commerce, finance and professional qualifications.
While this does not detract from the success of the matric class, Patricia Stock, SAICA CEO, highlights it as an opportunity for improvement that requires collective attention.
‘An improving pass rate is something to celebrate, but it is equally important to ensure that learners are equipped with the skills the economy will need in the years ahead. Mathematics and accounting underpin financial literacy, governance, public accountability and sustainable growth, and strengthening outcomes in these subjects is in the national interest,’ she says.
Globally, several OECD and high-performing Asian countries with strong fiscal discipline and resilient public financial management systems continue to prioritise advanced mathematics and accounting at the school level. These subjects form the foundation for professional skills development, economic competitiveness and effective governance.
In South Africa, however, growing reliance on mathematical literacy, which does not meet the entry requirements for many commerce and finance degrees, is contributing to the widening gap between headline matric success and readiness for higher education and the workplace.
‘This is not criticism, but rather a call for alignment to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation. If we want to build a capable and competitive state, attract investment and grow the economy, we must ensure that our education outcomes align with our development goals,’ says Stock.
Addressing this skills gap requires sustained, coordinated partnerships, including investment in teacher development, learner support and curriculum alignment. SAICA works closely with local and national governments, schools, universities and education-focused organisations to support learners and educators, strengthening teaching capacity and promoting career pathways in finance and accounting.
A practical example of this commitment was SAICA’s sponsorship of the inaugural National Accounting Award at the 2025 NSC High Achievers Ceremony, a first for the profession. The awards recognise top-performing accounting learners while reinforcing the value of accounting as a subject and celebrating academic excellence.
‘Backing excellence at the school level is one way we can help build confidence, aspiration and a stronger pipeline into the accounting profession. Recognising achievement sends a powerful message to learners that these subjects matter, and their efforts are seen and appreciated. Only then can we ensure that today’s matric success translates into tomorrow’s economic resilience, sound governance and inclusive growth,’ adds Stock.
The Accounting Award honoured the three top-performing learners from quintile 1–3 schools, celebrating the dedication of both educators and learners to excellence. SAICA extends its congratulations to Fhedzisani Ndivhuweni, Sesono Masingili, and the overall National Top Accounting Learner, Motshidzi Ramooha, who achieved an exceptional 100% in accounting.
Strong pass rates matter, but strong foundations are what will ultimately secure South Africa’s future. By prioritising quality learning in key subjects and fostering partnerships between educators, industry, and government, we can build a talent pipeline that meets the country’s growth ambitions. The achievements of this year’s matric class remind us what is possible when the system works − and what more we can unlock by working together.
Author
Daphne Mphaga, SAICA Lead, Integrated Go-To-Market
