'If you failed matric, try again'

2010-01-07 13:36

Pretoria - Try again - this was the message Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga conveyed to failed matriculants on Thursday.

“Try again…There is always a second chance. Make use of those chances. We do not always succeed the first time around,” said Motshekga at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, after announcing the 2009 matric results.

Supplementary examinations would take place in March and the minister urged those pupils who had failed matric, but qualified for these exams, to register.

“All provinces must ensure that interventions are put in place to ensure that these learners were adequately supported to pass the one or two subjects they require to be awarded the National Senior Certificate.”

Congratulations

Thanking teachers and other school officials who worked hard in delivering quality teaching and learning, Motshekga also congratulated matriculants who performed well and passed.

Motshekga said the department would develop an education sector plan to strengthen the standard of learning and functionality of schools which it would present in March.

She earlier highlighted poor teaching in many schools and the need to give more help, especially in science.

“Management in our schools is often weak and lacks leadership and commitment. Our systems are also often inefficient,” she said citing the “disappointing” 60.7% pass rate for 2009, compared to 62.5% in 2008.

Disappointing

Motshekga said although the drop of 1.8% was marginal, it was very disappointing.

KwaZulu-Natal had the highest pass rate of 61.1%, up from 57.6% in 2008.

Mpumalanga - which also published its results on Thursday after doubts that it would be able to - had the poorest performance, with a pass rate of 45.9% - a decline of 3.9%.

- SAPA