DA: Real matric pass rate is 54%
The DA says the class of 2022 had overcome overwhelming challenges over the past few years.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the much-anticipated national results in Randburg on Thursday. The pass rate stands at 80.1% for 2022, some 3% higher compared to the previous year.
The DA's Baxolile Nodada says teachers had to go the extra mile to ensure pupils had the best preparation for their exams.
"While the DA disputes the Department of Basic Education’s pass rate of 80.1%, we are very proud of each and every matric that successfully graduated. We also urge those that did not do well to not give up, the current outcome does not determine their destiny.
"This as the class of 2022 had to endure the Covid-lockdowns, devastating floods and the continuous rolling blackouts."
However, Nodada says that the real 2022 matric pass rate is only 54.6%, an increase from 2021’s 50.4%.
"Every year the DA calculates the real matric pass rate by bringing into account the number of learners that dropped out and never made it to matric. Some learners opt out of schooling at the end of grade 9 to pursue their education through technical and vocational education and training, but a large number simply stop their education entirely.
"To bring the TVET learners into account the DA calculates the real matric pass rate from the grade 10 cohort that ought to complete matric. The dropout rate for the 2022 matric class is 31.8 % (337 364 learners)."
Nodada adds that the country needs more teachers who specialise in science, technology, engineering and maths.
"These give learners a sound basis for studies in a multitude of fields that will benefit them, but sadly, the average results show that quality education for every learner is an ideal that is yet to be reached.
"We once again urge the minister to seriously consider our suggestion of an independent school monitoring evaluation authority to evaluate and monitor teachers."
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