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The MK Party has condemned Parliament’s decision to reject a proposal to raise South Africa’s 30% matric pass mark. The party says the move sidelines young people and protects a system that keeps black learners trapped in low achievement.
MK Party argues that the threshold sets children up for failure and limits their chances in both university access and the global job market.
Low Standards and High Inequality
The party says the current benchmark fails to prepare learners for real opportunities. In addition, it claims the standard entrenches long-standing racial disparities between public and private schooling.
MK Party believes the Constitution promises equity, yet learners in poor communities do not experience it. As a result, many children remain excluded from the opportunities needed to break the cycle of poverty.
Reports already show that 80% of Grade 3 learners cannot read for meaning. MK Party says this should push all political parties to support stronger reforms. Instead, they argue, MPs chose to defend minimal achievement while the education crisis worsens.
“Our Children Deserve Better”
The party says the 30% mark once served a purpose, but no longer matches a modern, competitive world. They warn that low expectations weaken the National Senior Certificate and push young people into unemployment.
MK Party says meaningful change is possible only if South Africa raises standards and invests in quality education for every child.
MK Party’s Position
The party insists that the failure to increase the pass mark reflects a deeper national problem. High unemployment and widening inequality, they argue, are linked to decades of weak education policy.
MK Party says they will continue fighting for an education system that gives every child a fair start and the skills needed to compete globally.
