Matric Results: A Triumph and a Challenge to Address Systemic Inequities

The Matric Class of 2024 has achieved an extraordinary milestone, setting a historic pass rate of 87.3%. This achievement, with nearly half of the candidates qualifying for bachelor studies and over 319,651 distinctions, reflects the resilience of South African learners and the dedication of educators and policymakers. As a youth activist from the Eastern Cape and leader of Amplifying Youth Voices (AYV), I applaud this progress. But while these results inspire national pride, they also reveal stark disparities that threaten the equity of our education system.

South Africa’s education system remains deeply fragmented. Urban and private schools, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, consistently outshine their rural and township counterparts. Meanwhile, learners in historically disadvantaged provinces like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape contend with overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and a dire lack of basic resources. While these provinces showed marked improvement—achieving pass rates of 85.01% and 84.98%, respectively—the numbers fail to capture the daily struggles of learners who travel long distances to study under leaky roofs or in classrooms without functioning toilets.

These challenges underscore the systemic inequities rooted in apartheid-era policies, which continue to disadvantage rural and township schools. Comparing these schools to independent Examinations Board (IEB) institutions, whose students regularly excel at global universities, highlights the entrenched disparities in access to quality education.

Beyond infrastructure and resources, systemic injustices like withholding learner report cards for unpaid fees exacerbate the challenges. Despite clear national guidelines prohibiting this practice, it remains widespread. I personally intervened in a case where a neighbor’s child was denied his report card for an entire year. The family, unaware of his academic struggles, lost valuable time to address his learning gaps. While the learner eventually improved, this incident reflects how bureaucratic failures undermine education as a fundamental right.

Such practices often stem from the chronic underfunding of schools, especially in rural areas, where parents are pressured to cover operational costs. This not only burdens already struggling families but perpetuates cycles of poverty.

Addressing these disparities requires a multi-stakeholder approach. The government must prioritize infrastructure development in underserved areas, ensuring that every learner has access to safe classrooms, libraries, and digital tools. Expanding teacher training programs and providing targeted funding to underperforming schools can help level the playing field.

The private sector, too, has a critical role. Partnerships between corporations and schools can introduce much-needed resources, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways in high-demand industries. By investing in education, businesses contribute to a skilled workforce that strengthens the economy.

Equity must guide South Africa’s educational reforms. This means acknowledging the unique challenges faced by rural and township schools and aligning national policies with global best practices. From improving STEM education to integrating critical thinking into curricula, the focus should be on equipping learners with skills for the future.

The Matric Class of 2024 has proven that South African learners can thrive when given the tools to succeed. Their triumphs are a beacon of hope, but they also challenge us to build an education system that leaves no learner behind. As we celebrate this milestone, let us commit to creating a future where quality education is not a privilege but a universal right. For in education lies the promise of a just and prosperous society.

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Simamkele Fatuse is the Founder and Executive Director of Amplifying Youth Voices (AYV) NPO. A passionate youth leader, Simamkele also serves as a member of the Youth Policy Committee (Inclusive Societies) under the Youth Programmes of the South African Institute of International Affairs (Youth@SAIIA).

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