Concern over Western Cape matrics' declining performance year on year
FILE: A matric pupil in class. Picture: Department of Basic Education/X
CAPE TOWN - Education experts have expressed concern about the performance of the Western Cape's matrics in 2023.
This follows Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga’s announcement of the National Senior Certificate results for the matric class of 2023 on Thursday.
The results indicate that the class of 2023 recorded the highest matric pass rate in South Africa’s history – 82.9%, improving on the 80.1% pass rate of the class of 2022.
The Western Cape ranked fifth in the national standings - achieving an overall pass rate of 81.5%, with the Free State taking the top spot with 89%.
Stellenbosch University Professor Mbulu Madiba said socio-economic factors are to blame.
"You've got schools that are doing very well but at the same time you've got schools that are coming from the township schools, the Cape Flats, that are not doing very well."
Madiba's colleague, Professor Michael le Cordeur said it's baffling why the province has not done as well as the Free State.
"When I look around South Africa, the Western Cape is the only province where you can see schools are functional and learners are in class. There are no disruptions and the circumstances are very much conducive to effective education."
Le Cordeur says it's concerning that the Western Cape's performance has dropped for a third year in a row.