South Africa has made notable progress in education and literacy over the past two decades, but new data shows that millions of adults remain without a matric qualification, highlighting a challenge that continues to affect employment prospects and economic development.
According to Statistics South Africa’s latest General Household Survey (GHS), 47.1% of adults aged 20 and older had not obtained a Grade 12 qualification by 2025. This translates to approximately 18.9 million people.
While the figure remains substantial, it also reflects long-term progress. In 2002, only 30.5% of South African adults had completed matric. By 2025, that proportion had increased to 52.9%.
The findings suggest that access to education has improved significantly, particularly among younger generations, but the country still faces a major challenge in ensuring that more learners complete their secondary education.
Literacy rates improve, but matric attainment remains a concern
The survey paints a mixed picture of South Africa’s education system. Participation in basic education is now close to universal levels among school-age children, with attendance rates reaching 97.1% up to the age of 15.
At the same time, functional illiteracy has declined dramatically. Statistics South Africa defines functionally illiterate individuals as those who have never attended school or who did not complete Grade 7.
This group represented 28.5% of adults in 2002 but accounted for only 8.7% in 2025.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke noted that literacy cannot be measured simply by the ability to read and write. Understanding, interpreting and applying information are also important aspects of literacy.
As a result, South Africa has historically relied on functional literacy indicators when assessing educational outcomes.
Older South Africans continue to experience the highest levels of functional illiteracy, particularly those over the age of 60. However, younger generations have benefited from expanded access to schooling since the end of apartheid, contributing to steady improvements in educational attainment.
Education challenges linked to unemployment crisis
Despite these gains, experts warn that the large number of adults without matric qualifications continues to have significant economic consequences.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Professor Gezani Baloyi from the University of South Africa’s College of Graduate Studies said the issue extends far beyond education policy.
Baloyi argued that matric qualifications remain one of the most important entry requirements for higher education and formal employment opportunities.
He noted that while educational attainment has improved substantially since 2002, many young people still feel disconnected from both the education system and the labour market.
The concerns come at a time when South Africa’s unemployment crisis is worsening.
According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the country’s official unemployment rate increased to 32.7% during the first quarter of 2026.
Statistics South Africa reported that employment declined by 345,000 jobs, reducing the total number of employed people to 16.8 million.
At the same time, the number of discouraged job seekers rose to 3.9 million, reflecting growing frustration among people unable to find work.
For many households, the combination of low educational attainment, unemployment and rising living costs continues to create financial pressure. Higher food prices, fuel costs and household expenses have further strained family budgets across the country.
While South Africa has made significant strides in reducing illiteracy and expanding educational access, the latest figures suggest that improving matric completion rates remains a critical challenge if the country hopes to strengthen its workforce and support long-term economic growth.
Source: Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Newzroom Afrika