Parents, pupils hit back at critics of matric results
Although the basic education department has welcomed the matric pass rate of 82.9%, opposition parties and education experts have called for the matric certificate in its current form to be scrapped.
There’s a celebratory mood across Gauteng schools today - as hundreds of pupils have received their final results. Picture: Eyewitness News,
JOHANNESBURG - As the country celebrates the highest matric pass rate since South Africa’s democracy, some pupils and parents have hit back at critics who have dampened the jubilation of achieving a national senior certificate.
After many sleepless nights, weekend classes, and a challenging year, the 2023 cohort of students defied the odds and made history in the country’s basic education system.
Yet, concerns persist, as some argue that the coveted certificate may not truly reflect the quality of education.
READ: Matric pass rate not a reflection of true state of education system - EE
Although the basic education department has welcomed the official matric pass rate of 82.9%, opposition parties and education experts have called for the matric certificate in its current form to be scrapped.
One parent said getting the sector on track was more than just bagging a matric certificate, it's about rolling up our sleeves for a total transformation.
"That piece of paper does carry a lot of weight. I wish it wasn't like that but that's the reality for me. It should be revised. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be a long time, perhaps there is a minster. A complete time shift is needed."
ALSO READ: Concerned about 30% pass mark, BOSA's Maimane to send rescue plan to DBE DG
Pupils said to them it’s more than just a piece of paper.
"You have to work hard to get the certificate it shows you that in the real world, you have to work real hard to achieve something," one matriculant said.
"It's just a piece of paper but it's a piece of paper that you know can change your life," another said.
Others acknowledged that narrowly measuring the success of the education system by a pass rate did not provide a full picture.