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What is this statement about?
United Democratic Movement has issued a public statement following the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate results. While congratulating learners who passed, the party says pass rates alone do not reflect the true condition of South Africa’s basic education system.
What the UDM is warning about
According to the UDM, celebrating results without addressing system failures risks hiding serious problems, including:
- Unsafe or dilapidated school infrastructure
- Overcrowded classrooms
- Shortages of learning materials
- Weak administrative oversight
- Persistent inequality between schools
The party says these challenges continue to limit equal opportunities for many learners.
What this means for learners who did not pass
The UDM has raised concern about learners who did not achieve the results they hoped for. It says:
- A learner’s future should not end with one set of results
- Government must ensure access to second-chance programmes, skills training, TVET colleges, and community education options
What the UDM is calling on government to do
The party has urged the Department of Basic Education to:
- Act on findings from investigations into system failures
- Enforce accountability where negligence occurred
- Prioritise infrastructure, teacher support, and learner welfare
If this applies to you
If you passed Matric, the UDM says your success reflects perseverance under difficult conditions.
If you did not pass, the party says you should explore alternative education pathways rather than give up.
What to do next
- Explore Matric rewriteor second-chance options
- Consider TVET colleges or skills programmes
- Seek guidance from education offices or institutions
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