Increase in matriculants from poor communities shows they're being served by education system - expert

JOHANNESBURG - The increase in matriculants from poor communities who received bachelor passes is an encouraging sign that those with fewer resources are still being served by the education system.

This is according to University of Johannesburg Professor Nadine Peterson, who commended the success of those facing insurmountable challenges.

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Of the 47.8% of 2024 matrics that qualify to attend university, roughly 70% of pupils come from lower-income areas, Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube announced Monday night.

"Through the great difficulties and with great social support, have made it into the system, continue to succeed in the system and get their first degree, because that is an indicator that the education system, from basic education right up to higher education, is serving the needs of the very poor in this country."