Parliament to Vote on the 30% Pass Rate
Parliament is preparing to vote on whether South Africa’s school pass rate should remain at 30%. This decision has sparked widespread debate about the quality of education, fairness to learners, and the future of our workforce.
Critics argue that a 30% threshold lowers standards and risks producing graduates without the skills needed for higher education or employment. Supporters say it prevents mass failure and gives learners a chance to progress while addressing systemic challenges in schools.
• Initiated by: Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA). He argued that the 30% threshold undermines education quality and sets learners up for failure.
• Date: The debate took place in late November 2025, ahead of the parliamentary vote scheduled for 2 December 2025.
• Focus: Maimane urged Parliament to progressively raise the minimum subject threshold, saying South Africa must “signal seriousness about standards.” He used maths results as an example, showing how raising the bar to 40% or 50% would drastically reduce pass rates but improve credibility.
• Supporters: Education activists such as Hendrick Makaneta backed the motion, saying the 30% pass mark entrenches mediocrity and harms human capital development.
• Opposition: Some MPs argued that raising the pass rate without fixing overcrowding, teacher shortages, and infrastructure would unfairly penalize learners.
