DIFFERENT political parties have congratulated the Matric Class of 2023, though some believe more can be done.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said the results were a critical moment for countless pupils across Mzansi.
“The EFF extends our heartfelt congratulations to all those who have successfully passed this crucial milestone, showcasing dedication and resilience in their academic pursuits,” said spokesman Sinawo Thambo.
He said despite facing the challenges of 332 out of 365 days of load shedding, the pupils managed to do well.
Some of the challenges he mentioned include dilapidated and overcrowded classrooms and inadequate access to decent drinking water and sanitation in schools.
“To those who may not have achieved the desired outcomes, we offer words of consolation and encouragement,” he said.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced that the 2023 matric pupils achieved an 82,9% pass rate, a significant increase from 80,1% in 2022.
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They also attained the highest number of bachelor passes and distinctions since the advent of democracy in 1994.
Rise Mzansi said the results made it clear that the 2023 group was an exceptional bunch.
Party’s Youth and Student Chapters Convenor, Lawrence Manaka, said: “We would also like to take this moment to thank parents, guardians, educators, and support staff for the very direct role they played in this achievement. Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child.”
He said they were worried that the basic education system is not producing enough matriculants with strong problem-solving, critical thinking, literacy and numeracy skills who can go onto higher education, training or apprenticeship.
The Africa Transformation Movement (ATM) noted that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results show that about 1,2 million pupils enrolled in 2022, and only 572 983 passed, which constitutes 52% of the original number.
“Now the question is: where are the other students?” said ATM spokesman Zama Ntshona.
He said it was a bittersweet moment for the party where children, from the narrow definition, have improved only for that improvement to be watered down by the actual value and the dismal failure of the government to increase the retainment rate of students in the system.
Democratic Alliance’s Baxolile Nodada disputed the pass rate of 82,9%.
He claimed the “real” matric pass rate was only 55,3%, an increase from last year’s 54,6%.
“The real matric pass rate is calculated by bringing into account the number of learners who dropped out and never made it to matric. While some learners pursue their matric through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) after grade 9, a large number drop out completely.
"To bring the TVET learners into account, the DA calculates the real matric pass rate from the grade 10 cohort that ought to have completed matric. 345 626 learners dropped out between grade 10 in 2021 and grade 12 in 2023,” he said.
Baxolile pointed out that the DA’s “real” matric pass rate was an excellent indicator of not only Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and her department’s lack of success, but also of the country’s.
