This week, South Africans are basking in a wave of national pride as the release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examinations Board (IEB) results showcases remarkable achievements by the class of 2024.
The NSC pass rate stands at an impressive 87.3%, while the IEB boasts an outstanding 98.47%.
These outcomes have signalled not only academic resilience but also a collective triumph against the backdrop of significant challenges.
This year’s matriculants faced unprecedented obstacles, having commenced their high school journey during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They have been lauded after lockdowns were imposed upon them threatened to derail their educational pursuits. Yet, despite the difficult circumstances, many displayed remarkable determination to maintain their progress, demonstrating commendable tenacity amid adversity.
Political parties and education stakeholders across the nation have shared their congratulations, acknowledging the collective effort by learners.
The GOOD Party lauded the improved 87.3% pass rate while emphasising the necessity for the government to prioritise basic education as the cornerstone of societal development. They noted: “The updated metrics reflect an ongoing battle against the legacy of apartheid’s Bantu Education, which continues to foster educational inequalities.”
The Freedom Front Plus highlighted that the class of 2024 will be the last cohort to take their matric exams before the implementation of the BELA Act.
The party says this change has the potential to reshape the educational landscape, as the national department of education oversees the examination of more than 800 000 candidates through its assessment programs, while independent bodies like the IEB and SACAI accounted for an additional 22 000 learners.
“The Department of Higher Education also has a role to play. The Department is responsible for the National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)), which prepares candidates for a career. With a pass rate of NC(V) 4 (equivalent to matric), it seems a lot of work still needs to be done. There were also more irregularities than at ordinary schools.’’
While the overall pass rates offer a reason to celebrate, organisations like RiseMzansi point out the urgent need for improvements in mathematics and science outcomes.
Statistics reveal an alarming gap in foundational skills essential for higher education. Only 69.1% of learners passed the NSC mathematics paper, and there remains a pressing demand for greater problem-solving and critical thinking skills among matriculants preparing for their future.
ActionSA welcomed the improvements with optimism but underscored the need for transformative reforms to ensure quality education for all. They advocate for strategic investments in early childhood development, necessary educational resources, enhanced teacher training, and a reestablishment of annual assessments to maintain accountability in schools.
“As we cautiously welcome this announcement and congratulate the Class of 2024, ActionSA remains particularly focused on ensuring the sustainability of this achievement for future matric cohorts. The key to this lies in whether this government's long-overdue reforms will include meaningful plans to fix South Africa's dysfunctional education system.
Saturday Star