By Thapelo Molefe
The recent fatal shooting of a school principal in the Western Cape and allegations of leaked matric results sparked urgent discussions in the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education this week, overshadowing celebrations of improved National Senior Certificate results.
While Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube praised the resilience of the Class of 2024, committee members raised serious concerns about systemic challenges affecting the education sector.
Umalusi, the council responsible for quality assurance in education, provided a comprehensive report on the NSC examinations.
While it confirmed an overall improvement in learner performance, it also raised concerns about examination irregularities. Umalusi noted a reduction in group cheating cases, but acknowledged ongoing challenges in isolated incidents of academic dishonesty.
The council also emphasised the need for more rigorous moderation of question papers to ensure fairness across all subjects.
Additionally, security breaches in the distribution of exam papers were highlighted, prompting an ongoing investigation into how certain results were leaked before their official release.
Another critical issue was the adjustment of raw marks to maintain assessment standards, a process that committee members questioned, calling for greater transparency.
The committee expressed frustration, stating: “We cannot allow disparities in moderation and teacher shortages to compromise the integrity of our examinations. The department must act swiftly to ensure all learners receive a fair assessment.”
It also raised concerns about the credibility of the NSC results.
“Before the matric results were released, there was an issue of matric results being sold to students at the cost of R100. The system was tampered with. What is the main cause of the system being tampered with, and who actually did it?” a committee member asked.
A 21-year-old man was arrested by the Hawks in January for allegedly selling results for R99.
Despite the improvements, committee members expressed concerns about many learners who passed matric but struggled to access university or TVET colleges. While students earned bachelor passes, capacity constraints in higher education institutions meant many remained without opportunities.
The need for better planning was emphasised.
“Most of the education that is being fed to our children, you are teaching our children to go look for work after education. That’s what is done in South Africa. Now we are celebrating our children who are going to sit at home and not be able to go to university,” a committee member stated.
The declining number of learners taking mathematics, physical sciences, economics, accounting, and agricultural sciences was a major concern. Several committee members argued that too many students opted for subjects like mathematical literacy and history, which did not provide direct pathways to economic contribution.
Gwarube acknowledged the issue, emphasising the need for early interventions in foundational literacy and numeracy to build confidence in STEM subjects. The department has moved its maths, science, and technology team into the curriculum division to ensure better alignment and intervention strategies.
The committee expressed alarm over the shortage of teachers, which has led to overcrowded classrooms. The issue of 2400 non-renewed teacher contracts in the Western Cape was highlighted, with MPs seeking clarity on the impact of budget constraints on education quality.
It raised concerns over disparities in staffing, with a member stating: “We have a serious problem in South Africa where we do not have enough teachers in our schools. The teachers that we have in our schools are overwhelmed with work to an extent that they are not even following the ratio of a teacher in class.”
“The department seems to say, seemingly, there is nothing we can do. But we need to address these cuts and ensure that schools in marginalised areas are not disproportionately affected.”
Data presented to the committee showed that 18,865 learners who enrolled for matric exams did not write them. Members requested a detailed breakdown of the reasons behind these dropouts and measures to track missing students.
“From those who have enrolled in schools of 724,156, only 705,291 wrote matric. That leaves us with 18,865 who are missing in the system. Can the department in detail tell us where these 18,865 learners are?” committee asked.
“Where exactly are these missing learners? Are we able to trace them and understand the reasons for their absence?”
It emphasised the need to strengthen the TVET sector to provide alternative pathways for students who did not attend university.
The department said it was working to integrate vocational training within schools to allow students to graduate with industry-relevant certifications.
Committee chairperson Khomotjo Maimela stated: “We must reflect on what worked during the examination period and enhance interventions based on these lessons.”
“We must shift the perception that vocational education is a second-tier option. South Africa needs more artisans, technicians and skilled workers to drive industrial growth.”
Proposals were made to introduce mother-tongue instruction in STEM subjects to improve comprehension and learner performance. Members also called for agriculture to be made a compulsory subject to support food security and job creation.
Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the Second Chance Matric Support Programme (SCMSP).
The department provided insights into efforts to assist learners who did not pass their matric exams.
“While we celebrate the success of the Class of 2024, we are also committed to supporting those who need a second chance. This programme acknowledges that not all learners progress at the same pace, some need more time and tailored support,” an official said.
A notable expansion in 2024 includes increased access for learners with disabilities, particularly the deaf, blind and partially sighted.
“We are also strengthening partnerships with universities, TVET colleges, and the private sector to ensure more learners can improve their qualifications and access higher education opportunities,” the department said.
“Statistics show that 39% of unemployed youth lack a matric certificate. By supporting these learners, we are actively working to reduce unemployment and increase economic participation.”
The committee echoed the importance of continued investment, stating the programme was a lifeline for many young people.
Members requested detailed information on support centres to enable oversight and ensure that learners who failed matric received adequate assistance.
A proposal was made for a joint parliamentary session between the Basic Education and Higher Education committees to improve coordination in addressing education and employment linkages. Members stressed the importance of aligning education output with job market needs.
INSIDE EDUCATION
