The ANC on Monday welcomed the 2013 matric pass rate announced by basic education minister Angie Motshekga, saying it was “particularly pleased” with the improvement in the subjects of mathematics and science.
“These results reflect an increase not only in the number of schools passing but also in the quality of passes,” spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement. “We are particularly pleased by the improvement in the key gateway subjects of mathematics and science.”
Motshekga announced a 78,2% pass rate for the 2013 matric class. In 2009, when Motshekga took over as minister, the pass rate was 60,6%. It has climbed steadily since then.
A total of 59,1% of pupils passed maths in 2013. In physical science, the pass rate was 67,4%.
The ANC congratulated the Free State and North West for being the first and second best performing provinces in the country.
The Free State increased its pass rate from 81,1% in 2012 to 87,4% in 2013. The North West improved from 79,5% to 87,2%.
Mthembu said more needed to be done to improve the education system.
“While indeed these results are a cause for celebration, there is still much more work to be done. Our education system must ensure that no child is left behind in our quest to develop a knowledgeable and skilled citizenry. Provinces that continue to face challenges and have not performed well should put in more effort in the coming years.”
The improved matric pass rate makes the 2013 matric class the best since 1994, president Jacob Zuma said. “We are therefore pleased to note this consistently upward trend in the matric results,” Zuma said in a statement. “In 2009, government set a target to obtain 175 000 bachelor’s passes by 2014. We urge the 2014 class to work very hard to bring us closer to the target.
“No education system can perform better than the quality of its teachers and the support of communities,” said Zuma. “Those who did not perform well still had a chance. All is not lost… it is not the end of the world. The youth must know that they can still improve their results and go on to achieve the career of their dreams. We urge parents and teachers to support the children during this time.”
A range of learning options were available to meet the demands of those who passed matric but could not get into university, he said. — Sapa