CHILDREN’S GRANTS LINKED TO IMPROVED MATRIC OUTCOMES, CONFIRMS MINISTER TOLASHE

By DSD News

• South Africa’s Class of 2025 saw over 614,000 social grant beneficiaries sit for matric, making up more than 84% of all candidates.
• The pass rate for social grant beneficiaries increased substantially, rising to 84.9% in 2025 from 74% in 2021.
• Government affirms that children’s grants are a long-term investment in education, breaking cycles of poverty and strengthening household resilience.

Pretoria, 11 April 2026: Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe confirmed that children’s grants are directly linked to improved matric results, as shown by the Class of 2025’s strong performance.

Speaking in relation to findings released earlier this week, the Minister recognised the achievements of learners who are beneficiaries of social grants, particularly the Child Support Grant (CSG), highlighting its role in supporting academic success. Both international and local research continue to demonstrate strong links between social protection and improved outcomes in education, health, and overall child development.

According to the 2025 National Senior Certificate results, a total of 729,650 learners registered for the examinations, of which 614,102 were social grant beneficiaries. This represents 84.2% of all candidates. The national pass rate stood at 88%, while social grant beneficiaries recorded their strongest performance to date, achieving a pass rate of 84.9%, a notable increase from 74% in 2021.

Minister Tolashe emphasised that these results clearly show South Africa’s social security system is a long-term investment in human development, not just short-term aid. She highlighted that, together with education and government actions, social protection is crucial for boosting household resilience, increasing opportunities, and ending intergenerational poverty.
“What we are seeing is the outcome of decades of rigorous, data-driven analysis. The evidence is clear, social protection works for our people,” the Minister said.

She further highlighted that many learners supported by social grants are the first in their families to access tertiary education, positioning them as catalysts for change within their communities.
The report on matric outcomes reinforces the role of child social protection as a practical partnership between government and households, aimed at promoting child development and educational achievement. It also challenges the persistent misconception that the Child Support Grant is widely misused, instead affirming that it is largely directed at improving children’s well-being.

In closing, Minister Tolashe reflected on the resilience of learners who have progressed through the education system with the support of social grants.
“These young people have carried the hopes of their families through years of schooling. This government sees them, and through our social protection measures, we are responding to their needs,” she said.