Matrics 'have a long way to go'
2013-01-03 12:30
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2013-01-03 09:35
The national pass rate had increased to 73.9 percent. That's a 3.7 percent improvement from 2011.WATCH
Johannesburg - The improvement in the matric pass rate is to be commended, but
there is still a long way to go in promoting education in South Africa, a
number of organisations said on Thursday.
"[The] improvement in the matric pass rate [is] positive, but many
'born frees' [born post 1994] [have been] lost along the way," civil rights
body Equal Education said.
On Wednesday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the matric
pass rate in South Africa had improved in 2012, with 73.9% of grade 12 pupils
passing their final exams.
The pass rate in 2011 was 70.2%.
Challenges
Equal Education said many schools still needed functioning libraries and
basic amenities like electricity and running water.
"Due to shortages of qualified teachers, inadequate salaries and a lack
of incentives to attract teachers into poor communities, schools often have
large classes."
The organisation gave the example of Khayelitsha, in Cape Town, where it
claimed between 50 to 60 students were sometimes in one class.
The African National Congress commended the 2012 matric class on its
"sterling performance".
Party spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said that the improvement vindicated the
basic education department's strategies.
Mthembu said young people could help the country by studying.
"We call on the tertiary education institutions to ensure that these
matriculants get the necessary help to enrol."
Quality
Secretary of the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa), Dennis George, said
concerns remained about the quality of schooling in South Africa.
"The standard of basic education is not up to scratch," he said in
a statement.
"Our union members working in the tertiary education sector continually
complain about the standard of first-year students enrolled at our
universities."
George said it seemed pressure to produce good results had led to a drop in
standards.
"This, then, would be nothing more than a hollow victory."
The federation believed the skills taught in schools were "too
academic".
"Our economy demands artisans and those with technical skills."
The ANC in the North West "jubilantly" welcomed the results.
"[We] are overjoyed with the improvement in our overall national
results."
Drop-out rates
Provincial spokesperson Kenny Morolong, however, said the party was
concerned about the drop-out rate of pupils.
"We vow to pay attention to this unacceptable phenomenon during this
academic year."
The African Christian Democratic Party's Chief Whip, Cheryllyn Dudley, said
the 2012 results "did not disappoint".
"First year 'born-free' matriculants have certainly made their mark, as
29 000 more learners than last year passed."
Dudley said the emphasis now had to be on ensuring fewer children dropped
out before matric.
United
She said all political parties were united on education.
"We are on the same side - the side of South Africa and all her
people."
The Democratic Alliance Youth was encouraged by the improved pass rates in
mathematics and physical science.
"These are key skills needed to grow the economy and create jobs,"
federal DA youth leader Makashule Gana said.
Meanwhile the National Congress of School Governing Bodies'
secretary-general, Monokoane Hlobo, said they welcomed Motshekga's announcement
that she was establishing a task team to look at the matter of students' names
being published next to their results in newspapers.
- SAPA
