Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane said that while South Africa is leading the youth unemployment crisis globally, the ongoing matric mark requirement of just 30% cannot continue a day longer.
“The 30% pass mark is destroying the intelligence of SA’s youth and allowing the confusion of the basic education crisis, the education leaders to escape responsibility and the formation of mediocrity and low expectations,” Maimane said.
“A passing mark is a passing mark. Measuring with very small amounts does not help students. It even helps bad teachers and bad administrators,” he added
matric pass rate
According to the Umalusi education quality assurance council, education in South Africa is slowly becoming less expensive.
Passing basic matric requires students to obtain at least 40% in three subjects, including their native language, and three other subjects with a minimum of 30%.
Also Read: Education activists demand 50% pass marks for all classes
However, it has been implemented at the level of 3 subjects with 40% (including common language) and 3 subjects with 30% (including learning language), which has caused emotional upheaval among people, including Maimane.
Maimane against low pass rate
A year ago, more than two thousand people signed Maimane’s online petition to end the 30% matric pass mark.
“The matric certificate should be issued on the basis of passing six subjects with 50% or more. 50% is a real pass mark, whatever deceives South Africans,” said Maimane.
‘Mythical’ pass rate
In her briefing at the announcement of the Class of 2021 matric results, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said she has observed the debate and discussion in the public arena on the pass requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
“All we need to know is that 30% is not a passing mark in this country. If a candidate gets an aggregate of 30% in all written subjects, that candidate will definitely fail.”
Also read: Matric results: Fixing pass marks worrisome, experts warn
“There are myths, which are repeated every year, almost by the same people about this matter, and it is unfortunate and disappointing,” said Motshekga.