The BOSA political party has called for the matric pass rate, which currently amounts to an aggregate of 30%, to be increased to 50% ahead of the release of examination results.
The party’s leader Mmusi Maimane claimed that the current pass rate does not adequately prepare students for their future, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube has stated that no plans to change the pass rate in any matric subjects have been effected as of yet.
The minister further claimed that an advisory council will be established to investigate the pass rate increase recommendations.
ENCA has reported that BOSA in response to the suggestion of an advisory council, has said that the root issue is quality of education in South Africa and awaiting action will not suffice.
A BOSA representative further addressed the current youth unemployment rate, which rests at 70%, and stated that contributing factors include low pass rates in certain matric subjects and an overall low quality of education.
Politicsweb quoted BOSA stating ‘a 50% pass mark should be the minimum, anything less is preparing the youth for a life of unemployment and wasted potential.’
Other improvements to the education sector include raising salaries for educators, the introduction of a nationwide teacher skills audit and the incentivisation of students during the academic year.
Professor Jonathan Jansen has responded to the demands of BOSA, stating that a 50% pass mark should be reached in increments. He further stated that if it is mandated as of next year, the only result would be an increase in the failure rate.
Jansen, a Professor of Education at the University of Stellenbosch, elaborated on his statement to Primedia+, saying that the end goal will only be reached once certain measures are implemented to fix the larger education system.
Quality of teachers, materials and poor working conditions are on the list of major challenges which are in need of urgent address in the education sector before the pass rate may ultimately be increased from 30% to 50%.
Written by:
First published by Cape Town ETC
