Portfolio Committee on Basic Education welcomes matric results

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has welcomed the 2015 matric results.

The results show a drop in the pass rate from 75.9 per cent to 70.7 per cent.

The chairman of the committee, Nomalungelo Gina, said the committee appreciated the results and acknowledged that the highest number of candidates in the history of the country wrote the 2015 examinations.

“When looking at the amount of effort and time put into ensuring that these results were the best ever, one can only marvel and conclude that we are on the right track.

“The drop in the pass rate caught everyone by surprise,” Gina said.

“The committee is particularly excited by the amount of work done by all stakeholders such as civil society groups, department officials, teachers, unions, parents and pupils, and even the bodies tasked with ensuring quality education in the country.”

Grade 12 results were announced at a function attended by Members of Parliament, Ministers, Provincial MECs and high-ranking officials in Gauteng.

Minister Angie Motshekga said although there had been a percentage drop in the pass rate for the year 2015, bachelor passes in poorer schools had significantly improved.

Gina said there was a need for a concerted effort in ensuring that 2016 was a success, especially for rural provinces and that the country did not regress from the high standards it had set itself.

“Particular focus should be given to the Eastern Cape so as to improve the 56 per cent attained this year.

“The committee is aware of the challenges of infrastructure in the province but this administration will continue providing support to all rural provinces,” she said.

The committee also congratulated pupils who have made it and encouraged those who have failed to keep trying.

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