MISA applauds record matric pass rate, urges focus on artisan trades.

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has acknowledged South Africa’s improved matric results.

But the association says government must stop celebrating statistics while youth unemployment skyrockets and thousands of capable learners are locked out of their futures.

The matric class of 2025 achieved a record-breaking 88% pass rate, the highest in the country's history.

On Thursday, Cape Peninsula University of Technology students protested over a shortage of accommodation just metres away from where President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address.

Several students, some carrying their luggage, say they’ve been forced to sleep in toilets or outside due to a lack of housing.

They were hoping to draw the attention of President Cyril Ramaphosa to what they call an ongoing crisis.

MISA spokesperson Phakamile-Hlubi Majola said promises to expand access to higher education mean little without clear plans and funding on the ground...

"More than 700 000 Matric’s qualified with a Bachelor pass last year, yet public universities can only absorb 230 000 first year students overall," said Hlubi Majola

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has assured students that no one will be evicted from their accommodation.