The National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (NAISA) extends its heartfelt

congratulations to the Class of 2025 for their remarkable achievements in the IEB, SACAI, and DBE examinations. The outstanding performance of these learners stands as a beacon of hope for the continued progress and success of our beloved country.

NAISA notes with appreciation Minister Siviwe Gwarube’s clear affirmation of the credibility and integrity of the NSC, following Umalusi’s quality assurance processes. In a time when public confidence in institutions is essential, the Minister’s firm stance that these results are “earned, not gifted” reinforces trust in the assessment system and honours the efforts of learners, educators and schools across the country.

A Shared Commitment to Quality, Equity and Systemic Reform

NAISA strongly supports the Minister’s call for a decisive shift from a narrow focus on headline pass rates toward root-deep reform that prioritises quality learning, strong foundations and equitable outcomes. The articulation of basic education as a long-term national project, rather than a series of short-term interventions, resonates deeply with NAISA’s own commitment to sustainable, learner-centred education.

The Minister’s emphasis on early learning, foundational literacy and numeracy, and evidence- based policy is both timely and necessary. NAISA particularly welcomes:

• The strengthening and expansion of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), including the registration of over 12,000 ECD centres in 2025 and the ambitious target of creating 250,000 new ECD spaces;
• The focus on early grade reading through initiatives such as Funda Uphumelele and Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education;
• The review of progression, assessment and staffing models to better reflect current system pressures and learner needs.

These reforms align with NAISA’s long-held view that meaningful transformation in education begins well before Grade 12 and must be anchored in strong early foundations.

Recognising Complexity and Honesty in the Results

NAISA commends the Minister for presenting the 2025 NSC results with honesty and nuance. The acknowledgement of declining performance in key gateway subjects such as Mathematics and Accounting, alongside increased participation, reflects a mature and responsible approach to system leadership.

We further support the Minister’s clear message that widening access to gateway subjects must be matched with stronger foundational support, improved teaching capacity and earlier

intervention. This balanced approach protects learners from being set up to fail and ensures that opportunity expansion does not come at the expense of quality.

Inclusion, Stability and Learner Well-being

NAISA welcomes the progress reported in inclusive education, particularly the increased participation and success of learners with special education needs, as well as the growing recognition of South African Sign Language as a language of learning and teaching.

We also endorse the Minister’s strong stance on learner well-being, school safety and nutrition, and her call for closer collaboration with other departments to ensure that social protection measures support, rather than undermine, learner performance—especially in the critical Grade 12 year.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

As an organisation representing independent school associations, NAISA recognises that the responsibility for strengthening South Africa’s education system extends beyond government alone. We therefore support the Minister’s call for collaboration across public and independent sectors, civil society, communities and families.

Independent schools, like their public counterparts, have a vital role to play in:

• Supporting early learning and school readiness;
• Protecting learning time and upholding high professional standards;
• Sharing innovation, data and best practice in the national interest.

Conclusion

NAISA congratulates the Minister, the Department of Basic Education, provincial education departments, educators, school leaders and learners on the 2025 NSC outcomes. We affirm our support for the Minister’s vision of an education system defined by strong roots, deep equity and lasting quality.

The metaphor of the baobab, growing strong by first growing deep, aptly captures the task before us. NAISA stands ready to support this national project of strengthening the foundations of learning so that future generations may thrive.

Issued by:

National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (NAISA)