Build One South Africa (BOSA) is deeply disappointed that in Parliament yesterday, the ANC, DA, FF+, PA and Al-Jama-ah voted against BOSA’s motion to end the 30% pass mark for matric subjects. These parties sold out the future of South Africa’s young people, telling them that low standards and mediocrity is fine, in turn setting millions up for a life of unemployment.
The 30% pass mark is nothing more than Bantu Education in the modern era. It is a policy that entrenches low expectations and masks systemic failure. By defending this standard, these parties have chosen to protect an illusion of success instead of confronting the crisis in our education system.
Particularly, the ANC and the DA have used their votes in Parliament to show they are comfortable with an education system that asks our youth to aim so low, even as South Africa falls further behind global benchmarks. Keeping the 30% pass mark ensures that far too many young people leave school fully qualified for unemployment.
Young people must remember which parties committed this shameless act when they go to vote at the polls next year.
BOSA will continue fighting for a minimum 50% pass mark and the meaningful reforms needed to give every South African child a fair chance at success. Our young people deserve better than manufactured pass rates and political excuses.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551