The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in KwaZulu-Natal notes the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and conveys its warmest congratulations to the Matric Class of 2025. We further congratulate the people of KwaZulu-Natal for achieving first place nationally, an achievement that reflects the collective effort of the working class and the public education system.
COSATU reaffirms its long-standing position that education is a public good and a key pillar of social transformation. This achievement is not accidental, nor is it the result of individual brilliance alone, but the outcome of sustained investment in public education, the commitment of educators, education workers, school management teams, and the resilience and determination of learners from working-class communities.
KwaZulu-Natal contributed 171 368 candidates to the 2025 NSC examinations, the highest number nationally, followed by Gauteng with 140 927, Eastern Cape with 106 561 etc. The province’s attainment of a 90.6% pass rate, and first position nationally, demonstrates what can be achieved when the state, educators, workers, school governing bodies, families and learners work collectively in defence and advancement of public education.
COSATU acknowledges the extraordinary sacrifices made by teachers and education workers, many of whom conducted additional classes during weekends, evenings, and school holidays to ensure learner success. These efforts reaffirm the central role of educators as frontline public servants and agents of social development.
We are further encouraged by the growth in learner participation, particularly among young women. The increase in female candidates from 96 043 in 2024 to 101 167 in 2025, and male candidates from 73 109 to 76 843, reflects positive progress towards greater access, retention, and participation within the education system.
While celebrating this achievement, COSATU emphasises that the struggle to transform education is ongoing. The 2026 academic year must commence under conditions that promote learning, dignity, and equality. It is therefore unacceptable that reports indicate that nearly 40% of learners in the province may start the academic year without essential learning materials such as exercise books. COSATU calls on the Department of Basic Education and provincial authorities to urgently intervene to ensure the timely delivery of learning and teaching support materials, in line with constitutional obligations.
COSATU further acknowledges the contribution of current and former leadership within the education sector. Consistent leadership, importance of policy continuity, and a commitment to strengthening state capacity remain critical to sustaining gains and addressing systemic challenges in education.
The Federation also salutes its affiliate, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), for its unwavering commitment in advocating for quality education, rights and sanity of educators. SADTU’s leadership in convening Principals’ and Teachers’ Forums, supporting educators, encouraging resounding achievements, and confronting challenges such as non-payment of noms and standards, poor working conditions, and attacks on teachers, remains vital in strengthening the education system.
As part of its broader programme of working-class emancipation, COSATU and its affiliated unions will continue to implement social support initiatives, including the provision of school shoes, sanitary towels, and other interventions aimed at removing barriers to learning and promoting learner dignity.
However, COSATU remains concerned about persistent systemic weaknesses, particularly the lack of effective learner tracking from Grade 1 through to Grade 12, as well as the gap between Grade 12 enrolments and the number of learners who ultimately write the final examinations. Addressing these challenges requires urgent, coordinated state intervention and accountability.
COSATU further reiterates its position that no learner must be abandoned. Learners who did not succeed in 2025 must be supported through alternative pathways, including various training development colleges, skills development programmes, and second-chance opportunities. Families, society, and social partners must work collectively to ensure that failure does not become a permanent barrier to a dignified future.
In conclusion, COSATU KZN wishes the Matric Class of 2026 a disciplined, focused, and successful academic year. We remain committed to the defence and strengthening of public education as a cornerstone of working-class empowerment, social justice, and national development.
Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal
Provincial Secretary
Edwin Mkhize
082 399 7756 / 076 522 8839
edwin@cosatu.org.za
