Kaya 959 News Reporter
Maimane speaks out against the government’s decision to have a national matric pass rate of 30%.
The Basic Department of Education only requires 30% from matriculants to pass.
Maimane warns that a 30% standard will have the following consequences:
- Inflated success metrics
- It will mask the real state of the education system
- It will entrench low expectations and stereotypes.
Matriculants who are allowed to pass at 30% become the next pool of professionals who compete for university entrance.
By lowering the standard, the entrance standard to university is lowered and ultimately the capability of the nation is diminished.
His concerns further highlight that government may have increased access to basic education but has not improved the quality of education.
The ripple effect on this is that the South African economy will not produce professionals who are “competitive, relative to the rest of the world.”
He expresses that the demand for only just 30% undermines the intellect of South Africa’s youth and is of the view that a pass mark of 30% does the following:
- It allows for obfuscation of the basic education crisis
- It allows education leaders to escape accountability
- It entrenches mediocrity
Minister of Basic Education Angelina Motshekga has held the position since 2009.
Miamane says it’s time for change and asks the minister to step down.
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