Every year, as matric results are released, the debate over the so-called “30% pass mark” flares up in headlines and on social media.
Director-General in the Department of Basic Education Mathanzima Mweli, says that critics argue that 30% should not be enough to pass a subject, but this argument, while emotive, is misleading and distracts from the real challenges facing South Africa’s schools.
Standards Haven’t Been Lowered
Many who decry the 30% pass claim that standards have declined over time.
In reality, the National Senior Certificate (NSC) requires learners to pass six subjects – three at a minimum of 40% and the others at 30%.
While the rules were slightly adjusted in 2008, this was not a lowering of standards.
In fact, the old Senior Certificate system allowed some subjects to be passed at “Lower Grade” level with only 25%.
Another misconception is that universities are now admitting weaker students.
In truth, most matric passers also meet stricter diploma criteria, and bachelor-level admission requires even higher marks in key subjects like mathematics and physical science.
Universities often impose additional entry requirements, ensuring students are prepared for tertiary study.
Raising the Pass Mark Isn’t a Solution
The call to raise the pass mark to 50% in six subjects may seem like a simple fix, but it would cause real harm.
About half of current candidates would fail, disproportionately affecting learners from poorer provinces.
The sudden shift would create widespread frustration, increase dropout rates in earlier grades, and disrupt the labour market.
Ironically, it could also lead to grade inflation.
Pressure to avoid mass failures might force exams to become easier, meaning the intended “higher standards” would never materialise.
Focus on Quality, Not Percentages
The obsession with pass marks diverts attention from the fundamental problem: quality of teaching and learning.
While more youth are completing matric, too many still leave without a qualification, and educational inequality remains high.
Sustainable improvement begins in the early years.
Strengthening reading, literacy, and numeracy foundations, expanding access to early learning programmes, and supporting teachers with proper guidance and training can equip more learners to succeed in matric.
Incremental changes, like introducing a 40% average pass mark, are possible – but only if paired with strong support and alternative educational pathways, such as vocational training and the General Education Certificate at Grade 9.
Raising the pass mark might feel like action, but real change comes from investing in teaching and learning.
If South Africa wants better matric results, it must focus on the classroom, not the scoreboard.
