Maimane's call to raise matric pass mark rejected by National Assembly

In a significant move that has sparked debate about the quality of education in South Africa, Mmusi Maimane, the leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), saw his motion to increase the matric pass mark from the controversial 30% to 50% rejected by the National Assembly on Tuesday night. Maimane's proposal aimed to address what he described as the detrimental long-term implications of maintaining such a low benchmark for students.

During the parliamentary session, Maimane stated that the current pass rate was artificially inflated by the education authorities, negatively impacting educational standards and the future prospects of young South Africans. "The 30% pass mark has been set up to beef up the pass rate numbers," he asserted, emphasising that the conversation should extend beyond the immediate implications of passing and focus on the quality of early childhood development and primary education. "Young people can prove to do better if they receive the proper ECD and primary school education," he added

Despite Maimane's well-reasoned plea, the motion was opposed by both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), which voted against reforms aimed at raising educational standards. However, a coalition of smaller opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and ActionSA, rallied in support of Maimane's motion, recognising the need for urgent reforms in the basic education sector.

uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Sihle Ngubane expressed strong agreement with the argument, articulating the need to allocate resources aimed at reducing socio-economic barriers that contribute to the ongoing challenges faced by learners in lower quintile schools.

“When we tell learners that 30% pass rate is enough, we are ignoring 70% of their potential. Education must be about teaching children to reach full potential, not embracing mediocrity as normal," he said.

The rejection of Maimane's proposal raises questions about the political will to reform an educational system that many critics argue is in decline. While this specific motion did not pass, parliamentary rules allow for similar proposals to be reintroduced in future sessions, granting advocates a glimmer of hope for change.

In his closing remarks, Maimane indicated that efforts to raise the pass mark would remain a focal point in future discussions about educational reform, declaring, "Ending the 30% pass mark is not the only standalone reform. It signals the seriousness with which we uphold our standards.”