The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Mpumalanga congratulates the Matric Class of 2025 for achieving an impressive provincial pass rate of 86.55%. This outstanding performance is a testament to the resilience, discipline and determination of learners, educators, school management teams, parents and communities who worked tirelessly under often difficult conditions.
We further commend the Department of Basic Education, teachers and support staff for their continued commitment to improving the quality of public education in the province. This achievement demonstrates that with proper support, resources and dedication, our young people are capable of excellence.
While we celebrate this milestone, COSATU Mpumalanga is deeply concerned about the harsh reality that many of these successful learners now face, high levels of youth unemployment in our province. Far too many matriculants and graduates remain without access to meaningful work, training or further educational opportunities, which undermines their potential and the future of our economy.
COSATU Mpumalanga therefore calls on government, state-owned entities and the private sector to urgently accelerate the creation of decent work opportunities for young people. This includes:
- Expanding learnerships, apprenticeships and internships.
- Prioritising local youth in public infrastructure and industrial projects.
- Supporting skills development programmes aligned to the needs of the provincial economy.
- Strengthening partnerships between government, business and labour to address youth unemployment.
We also call for increased investment in further education and training colleges, universities and artisan development, particularly in sectors with job-creation potential such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining rehabilitation and the green economy.
The future of Mpumalanga depends on how we support and absorb the youth we celebrate today. Their success must not end at the matric certificate but must translate into decent jobs, sustainable livelihoods and a dignified life.
Once again, COSATU Mpumalanga congratulates the Matric Class of 2025 and wishes them success in their future endeavours.
Issued by:
COSATU Mpumalanga
Thabo Mokoena (Provincial Secretary)
073 750 2041
