Maimane and One South Africa Movement members delivers memorandum to Minister Angie Motshekga

WENDY MOTHATA |

ONE SA (OSA) leader Mmusi Maimane and the members of the party have handed over a memorandum to the Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

The memorandum detail OSA’s plan to “rescue” the basic education department.

“This document outlines a rescue plan that will ensure that our young people have access to upwards economic mobility, in which they can become the future industrialists that Africa needs and future scientists who discover the cures for diseases of the present and future,” OSA said.

“Our nation’s toughest challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality cannot be addressed without dealing with the elephant in the room — the dismal state of our education system. We are failing to educate our young people and we need to do better.”

Recently, Maimane questioned the quality of education being offered in South Africa and called for an end to the 30% pass mark.

“A 30% pass mark undermines the intellect of SA’s youth and allows for obfuscation of the basic education crisis, education leaders to escape accountabilities and the entrenchment of mediocrity and low expectations,” Maimane said.

Last month, quality assurance council, Umalusi, reiterated that no learner in South Africa will be able to pass their matric by obtaining 30% in all subjects.

“Pass rates at this level are as old as the matric certificate itself, which is more than 100 years old. If learners were to obtain 30% in all subjects, they would fail. We have to remind each other what the purpose of the National Senior Certificate is. The National Senior Certificate gives learners access to a number of post-school opportunities,” said Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi.

Furthermore, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said the debate and claims made about the 30% pass mark demonstrated a lack of understanding about the NSC pass requirements.

The requirements are split into three categories which qualify pupils either for bachelor’s degree or diploma studies and the higher certificate pass.

1. To obtain a bachelor pass, explained the minister, pupils are required to get a minimum of 40% for their home language, 50% in four other subjects and at least 30% for the language of learning. 
2. For a diploma pass, pupils must obtain 40% for their home language, at least 40% in three other subjects and a minimum of 30% in the language of learning. 
3. For a higher certificate pass, the home language pass mark remains 40%, at least 30% in the language of learning and at least 40% in two subjects and a minimum of 30% in other subjects 

OSA proposes 10 interventions that would provide a stable foundation for progressive development in the department in the coming years.

1. Drop the 30% pass mark for subjects
2. Introduce an independent education ombudsman     
3. Raise salaries for educators and curtail union power
4. Replace life orientation with mandatory skills subjects
5. Incentivise pupils during the academic year
6. Prioritise the primary phase of education
7. Implement tighter security at all schools 
8. Expand extended programmes for underperforming pupils
9. Reprioritise the budget for digital learning and infrastructure
10. Conduct a nationwide teacher skills audit

• – Inside Education