Pretoria - Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha says he wants matrics to get a pass rate of 80% for this year’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
The national exams start on October 27.
“The [provincial] class of 2013 surpassed all expectations when they broke beyond the 70% ceiling, shooting up to over 71%.
“This in itself has imposed a daunting challenge to the class of 2014… Their target is set at 80%. I have ignored the calls to revise this target down.
“Expecting less than 80% from the class of 2014 will be to settle for mediocrity. We are not a province of mediocrity,” he said.
Premier Mathabatha was speaking in Polokwane on Friday at the launch of Shining Stars Matric Fridays, which is a partnership campaign with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
“Together with the SABC, we are joining in on this road, which is surely headed towards an 80% pass rate. I am confident that all of us will from today put on our school uniforms every Friday in support of and solidarity with our children. We will do this as we march towards our 80% matric pass rate,” he said.
The Premier told the grade 12 learners that while passing was important, it was even more important to pass well.
“It is important that we remind our learners of what I consider to be the three working ingredients of a good pass. These ingredients are hard work, focus and discipline.
“The truth is that a good pass is a master key that opens all doors to opportunities and a better life. With a good pass, one can be admitted to the best universities in the world, enjoy freedom to choose his/her study field and get all the financial assistance you may need,” said the Premier.
He said he has been assured by teachers, parents and other stakeholders that grade 12 learners have been adequately prepared to produce the desired results at the end of this year.
“I therefore wish to call on our matriculants to use the few remaining days before the exams effectively and prudently.
“This is the time for learners to suspend all activities that are not helpful to their studies including time spent on social networks,” he said.
Premier Mathabatha also had a message of hope for learners who are coming from poor family backgrounds.
“You should not concern yourselves with how you will afford the costly university fees. That is not your problem to worry about. Your task is to pass well and your government will take it from there.
“The assurance is that no child who is finically needy and academically deserving can be out of school merely on account of poor family background.
“It is the policy of our government that all children who are doing well academically must be financially assisted to complete their studies,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
