BOSA will change matric pass mark to 50% - Maimane
Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has proposed a change to the matric pass mark to 50% per subject.
Maimane tabled his plans for South Africa during the party's election manifesto launch in Johannesburg on Sunday.
He said a government led by his party would invest in quality education, and would ensure that all schools have necessary facilities.
Maimane has been a vocal critic of the country's 30% pass mark, saying it undermines the country's youth.
The "30% pass mark” refers to the fact that a basic matric pass requires a pupil to achieve 30% in three subjects.
Maimane proposed an overhaul of the country's education system, including an increase in the pass mark to 50%.
"Let’s increase the matric pass mark to 50%, setting higher standards for excellence in crucial subjects like Maths and Physical Science," Maimane said.
"Establish an independent education ombud, the Inspector General of Education, to ensure accountability and address issues of corruption.
"Raise salaries for educators, attract younger talent, and curtail the power of teacher unions to enhance the quality of learning.
"Conduct a nationwide teacher skills audit to identify and address deficiencies, ensuring proficiency in teaching and subject matter."
Maimane believes his party's range of interventions are crucial steps toward rescuing the country's education system.
"Education is the cornerstone of our nation's prosperity. BOSA envisions an educational landscape characterized by affordability, accessibility, and quality from early schooling to tertiary degrees. Our goal is to equip every South African with the skills to earn well, realise their potential, and compete in the digital economy.
"The current state of our education system demands urgent intervention. We face a critical shortage of skills, and our performance in human skills development, especially in digital skills, is underwhelming. We must address this crisis to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
"It is only when we create an environment where every South African child has equitable access to quality education, that we pave the way for a prosperous and thriving nation," added Maimane.
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