The 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations commenced on 21 October and concluded on 28 November. DBE Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, announced the matric results on 13 January and on the morning of 14 January, provincial education departments will release the results to candidates.
The Department of Social Development has said that 79% of matrics who participated in the 2024 final matric examination period are Sassa grant beneficiaries. In a statement released, the Department said:
Out of 882 336 registered learners who wrote the NSC, 697,502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of the registered pupils.
A total of 657 980 learners were beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant (CSG), while 35 200 learners received the Foster Child Grant. 653 290 of the matrics were still receiving Sassa grant payments when they wrote their final exams with 34 710 learners having their grants terminated due to turning 18 years old.
Sassa grant beneficiaries who reach legal age and are no longer eligible to receive permanent grants are encouraged to apply for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. 3 092 matriculants applied for the R370 grant.
They then revealed that 1 068 of the learners were children who were in conflict with the law while they were at school.
NSFAS Financial Assistance
Securing funding for higher education is a crucial step for many students in South Africa, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role in making education accessible. Whether you’re starting your studies or continuing your academic journey, NSFAS provides financial support to cover tuition fees and essential student allowances.
The Department announced that 272 098 Sassa grant beneficiaries applied for NSFAS. Sassa grant beneficiaries are immediately approved for NSFAS.
"According to the data received from NSFAS, 261 950 of these learners are provisionally accepted pending their results and acceptance in institutions of higher learning," said the Department.
The Department of Social Development sends good wishes to all beneficiaries of social development services, including social grants beneficiaries. Grade 12 examinations is a key barometer to measure the country’s educational system as well as measuring the educational outcomes of poor and vulnerable learners.
To assist Sassa beneficiaries who are matriculants anxious about their matric results, the department has said that the the Gender Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) is available to pupils and their families.
The GBVCC provides access to professional social workers who are available for psychosocial support.
The support will be available from Sunday, 12 January 2025, to Saturday, 18 January 2025. Matriculants can contact the GBVCC at 0800 428 428.
