Education activist Hendrick Makaneta says South Africa’s current 30% matric pass mark sets the bar far too low and undermines the quality of education, arguing that it fails to prepare young people for employment or further study.
His comments come ahead of Parliament’s scheduled vote on Tuesday on Build One SA’s (BOSA) motion to scrap the 30% threshold and raise the minimum pass mark for matric subjects to 50%.
Friday’s parliamentary debate saw BOSA argue that with South Africa grappling with the world’s highest youth unemployment rate, maintaining a 30% pass benchmark is counterproductive and entrenches a cycle of underperformance.
Makaneta agrees, warning that such a low standard promotes mediocrity and weakens human capital development. He said a higher pass mark would be both symbolic and practical, but should form part of a broader strategy to strengthen teaching and learning.
“If we are to scrap the 30% pass mark, it must be supported by a comprehensive plan to improve quality in the classroom,” he said.
Makaneta acknowledged concerns that raising the bar may initially increase failure rates, but argued that long-term improvement depends on bolstering foundational education.
“Most learners have grown used to this 30% standard. If we invest in early schooling and ensure highly qualified teachers at foundation level, we could see meaningful progress over time,” he said.
Parliament’s decision is expected to intensify the national debate around standards, quality, and the future of South Africa’s education system.