06 February 2023

Media Advisory

Last year, social grant beneficiaries who wrote the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination recorded and improved performance proving the important role played by the country’s social protection system. In 2022, the grant beneficiaries showed an impressive increase from 0.2% to 8.7% as compared to the previous year.  

The class of 2022 also saw more female learners (256 902) sitting for their Grade 12 examinations when compared with the 191 490 male counterparts. Of particular importance was the higher pass rate registered by male beneficiaries which was 72.5% and 70.39 % females.

The results also showed that the learners who were receiving the grant in their matric year registered better results than those whose grant had discontinued due to their age. Inactive social grant beneficiaries achieved an overall pass rate of 75.22 %, while learners who were getting the grant in their matric year got 87.20%. These findings may be demonstrating that the impact of social grants is likely to be greater the longer the transfer duration, especially, if child-specific grants are kept until the learner completes their Grade 12.

Statistics released by the Department of Basic Education showed that 39 724 of the social grant beneficiaries passed with distinctions in critical subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics and Physical Science.

This academic performance reflects the significant role played by pro-poor policies in addressing intergenerational poverty and child wellbeing for children living in poor households.

Based on this achievement, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Tuesday, 07 February, meet with the beneficiaries who passed their Grade 12 examinations. Minister Zulu will during the meeting encourage these learners to work harder as they move to the next chapter of their education.

Minister Zulu will be joined by the NSFAS CEO, Mr Andile Nongogo. The Department and NSFAS have been working together to make sure that social grant beneficiaries who are accepted at institutions of higher learning are not means tested as they have been receiving the grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Minister’s engagement planned as follows:

Date:    Tuesday, 07 February, 2023

Time:   16H00 - 18H00

Venue: GovChat Head Quarters, 37 Parliament Street, Speakers Corner, Cape Town

Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 0664806845 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 0834848067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.