Education experts divided over BOSA’s bid to raise matric pass mark

December 3, 2025 62

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) has expressed its satisfaction with Parliament’s decision to reject the motion to raise the matric pass mark from 30% to 50%.

The union considers the proposal “emotional” rather than practical, arguing that the 30% pass mark enables learners who may not be academically inclined to still obtain a matric certificate.

Yesterday, MPs voted against BOSA’s motion, which called for a gradual increase in the pass mark, citing concerns about the long-term impact on learners.

NAPTOSA’s Executive Director, Basil Manuel, emphasized that many learners would struggle to meet a 50% threshold.

He added that poor reading outcomes are not related to the pass mark but stem from issues such as under-resourced schools, a lack of textbooks, and teachers being inadequately trained in foundation-phase reading instruction.

Education authorities, including the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Umalusi, state that the concept of a flat 30% matric pass mark is a misrepresentation.

They say the National Senior Certificate (NSC), introduced in 2008, requires tiered subject-specific minimums and passing a majority of subjects with 40% or higher in core areas like Home Language. Additional information is available from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Umalusi.

Meanwhile, Governing Body Foundation (GBF) CEO, Dr. Anthea Cereseto, offered a contrasting view.

She argued that the pass mark is largely symbolic, as university entrance already requires higher scores in key subjects. Raising the pass mark in the final years of schooling, she said, will not address the root causes of systemic educational issues, which must be tackled from birth.

“University entrance requires at least 50% in four main subjects, which is already a higher standard than in the past. You don’t solve systemic issues by suddenly changing the pass mark in the final years. The focus must start at the bottom from age 0,” Cereseto said.

She advocates for early interventions, including better maternal health, child nutrition, access to books and educational toys, and well-resourced early learning centers.

“Access to early learning centers with trained personnel and appropriate equipment is crucial. As children progress to formal education, class sizes in grades R-3 must be small enough to ensure quality teaching. Children need time to master basic concepts, and learning must be paced according to their abilities, not rigid teaching programmes. Mastery is key 2+2=4, and nothing else,” she added.

Cereseto stressed that assessments must reflect actual learning and not be manipulated to boost pass rates.

She concluded that sustainable improvement in matric standards requires addressing educational inequalities from the ground up, including tackling societal and structural barriers that hinder learning.

Education expert, Mary Metcalfe, also weighed in, calling the debate largely political. She clarified that the 30% pass mark is misleading, as even the lowest form of matric pass requires higher scores, and no student can proceed to university or a technical university with 30% across all subjects.

Metcalfe believes that the real conversation should focus on creating inclusive pathways for learners after Grade 12, ensuring that they have opportunities to succeed based on their individual strengths and abilities.

Education authorities, including the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Umalusi, state that the concept of a flat 30% matric pass mark is a misrepresentation.

[🎥] BOSA Deputy Leader & MP Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster addresses Parliament, emphasising the critical need for enhanced oversight of the presidency. With the executive at the heart of governance, she argues for more frequent presidential appearances—raising the minimum from 4 to 6… pic.twitter.com/FxjiBpWH5L

— BOSA (@BuildOneSA) December 3, 2025