The South African government continues to defend the low pass rate of 30% for ‘Bantu Education in the Modern Era,’ which undermines the country’s entire educational system. This is according to Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane, who has consistently advocated for a higher minimum standard, such as 50%, and has made numerous attempts to eliminate the 30% pass mark. This week, he failed again, as Parliament voted to keep South Africa’s 30% pass mark, effectively ending BOSA’s campaign to abolish what it calls “nothing more than Bantu Education in the modern era.” On Tuesday evening, Maimane confirmed the outcome, saying the party had failed in its bid to eliminate the use of 30% as a pass mark at any level of the public education system.
Maimane said, “Theykeep insisting that a learner doesn’t only need 30% to pass the National Senior Certificate. Some subjects require 30%, others 40. I think this is utter nonsense.
It sets expectations too low and tells teachers this is all they have to do.” keep insisting that a learner doesn’t only need 30% to pass the National Senior Certificate. It sets expectations too low and tells teachers this is all they have to do.” He argued that international evidence contradicts the government’s stance, noting that raising standards drives meaningful reform. As he put it, “Research has shown us that when you set the bar high, you begin to reform the entire system.
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”You ensure that you do all the things that change our education system, such as fixing ECD centres, adjusting curriculum, building infrastructure, rewarding teachers better, and ensuring that learners have a better future. Yet the government is adamant at defending this.” Maimane said BOSA tabled a motion in Parliament proposing that South Africa move from a 30% pass threshold to 50%, increasing it progressively over time to allow the system to adjust. “Several parties agreed that the standard must be raised,” he said.
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