MPs renew calls to scrap 30% Matric pass rate

Some members of parliament (MPs) have again urged parliament to reconsider the issue of the 30 percent pass level for matriculants.

The debate in the National Assembly was sponsored by Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane. It focused on barriers preventing learners from performing at their best and what government can do to facilitate better results.

We have a crisis in our education system and the department acts like everything is fine. Everything is not fine.

Not only do we have pass marks as low as 30%. We also have low average marks for maths, physical science and other core subjects. Look carefully at this data. pic.twitter.com/LNwgL0sA1L

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) November 28, 2025

The Class of 2025 ended their National Senior Certificate exams this past week. Maimane called on the Department of Basic Education to progressively change the pass rate for Grade 12s.

“Ending the 30% pass rate is not only reform, but it also signals the seriousness we hold about standards; it must be accompanied by comprehensive system-wide changes, as the motion suggests. Let us move the pass mark from 30 to 50 percent progressively.”

Most parties supported Maimane’s argument that a 30% pass level is too low, including Sihle Ngubane from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

“As the MK party, we will focus resources to reduce socio-economic factors that keep producing quintal 1 – 3 schools in order to level the playing ground. 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 mediocracy as normal.”

Today at a glance: Hon. Sihle Ngubane expressed frustration and recommended a reform of the Senior Certificate minimum pass requirement as it lessons our people chances to getting better jobs, and also being competitive in the workplace both home and abroad, at the NA… pic.twitter.com/PDPZacJmwT

— MK Party in Parliament (@MKParliament) November 28, 2025