Matric pass rate debate

Today, January 13, the Rand is trading at R16.41 to the dollar, down from R16.40 at the close of business on Monday. 

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating corruption in the police and the criminal justice system is preparing to resume hearings tomorrow, 14 January. 

This year’s proceedings will begin with former Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo. 

Across the country today, those who wrote their matric exams at the end of 2025 will be receiving their results today. 

The National Assembly will convene in Parliament today to consider several proposed bills, including the Special Appropriation Bill. 

This aims to appropriate additional money to the Department of Health to address a shortfall resulting from the withdrawal of international donor funding to the health sector.

Here are five other big things happening in South Africa today:

Official NSC pass rate is 88%, but the ‘real pass rate’ is 56.9% – Newsday

Minister of Education, Siviwe Grawube, has announced the official matric pass rate for the class of 2025: 88%. While this is the highest pass rate in the country’s history, the minister emphasises that many students drop out before writing their final exams.

Musical chairs in the official opposition – Newsday

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has appointed corruption-accused Brian Molefe as its new treasurer general, removing Mpiyakhe Limba as well as its chief whip in Parliament, Colleen Makhubele.

US House passes AGOA renewal – News24

The US House of Representatives has voted to pass a bill renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act for another three years. The bill must now pass through the Senate, where South Africa’s eligibility will likely be scrutinised.

Tide turning for South Africa – Daily Investor

Recent economic outlooks indicate that South Africa is on the right track to eventually escape junk status, rewarding the country’s reform efforts and improving fiscal metrics in the coming years.