The IFP-aligned South Africa Democratic Students’ Movement (SADESMO) notes with grave concern the results of the 2014 Grade 12 released today.
SADESMO congratulates the class of 2014, particularly those who have defeated mountainous odds to attain excellent results. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
SADESMO is extremely concerned with the fact that the national pass rate has taken a nosedive, even after the marks were adjusted. A decline in the pass rate is certainly not impressive and speaks volumes about the quality of our education system in its entirety. It is our most urgent expectation that the Department of Basic Education will put in place comprehensive corrective measures to rescue education in South Africa.
The blanket general decline in results is indicative of poor and non-effective operational functionality in the department. Moreover, it suggests that teachers are still ill-equipped to fully and effectively meet even the basic requirements of the system and at times this is no fault of their own; the priorities of government when it comes to education are largely misplaced. Schools throughout the country remain under resourced, much to the hefty expense of the learner.
We expect the Department of Higher Education to ensure smooth registration and accessibility to institutions of Higher Learning. We expect the Minister of Higher Education to pronounce on the state of readiness of admitting new students, and the availability of NSFAS funding, space and infrastructural resources, particularly residences.
To those who did not make it, this is not the end of the road, because education is a lifelong process and we encourage every single matriculant to continue learning, irrespective of their results. We hope that those who have not fared well will take advantage of the re-writing opportunity due in March and improve their results.
In conclusion, SADESMO congratulates all learners who have passed and encourages all those who have not done well to not despair and to try again. We salute all teachers for their hard work and we are most grateful to parents and guardians, particularly those who are living in poverty and are at the periphery of social standings, for ensuring that their children access education.
Education is a RIGHT, not a privilege!
Issued on behalf of SADESMO by:
Sizwe Simelane
SADESMO Secretary-General 073 022 1064
