2024 NSC Examinations Outcomes and Second Chance Matric Programme: DBE & Umalusi briefing; with Ministry

Video The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education convened to review the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination outcomes and assess the Second Chance Matric Support Programme. The meeting provided an opportunity for Members to reflect on the overall results, seek clarity on concerns, and engage with the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi. The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, led the Department’s delegation. The Department reported an 87.2% pass rate, with improvements across all provinces. The Free State emerged as the top-performing province, while a record 47.8% of candidates achieved bachelor passes. A significant proportion of those learners came from no-fee schools, demonstrating progress in equitable access. Despite those achievements, concerns remain regarding the low uptake of Mathematics and continued challenges in Physical Science performance, which are crucial for economic growth. Umalusi affirmed the credibility of the results, citing reduced irregularities, although concerns persist over group copying cases and limited monitoring capacity. The Second Chance Matric Support Programme provided support to thousands of learners, but budget constraints limited face-to-face classes to the May/June exams, with digital platforms used for additional learning support. The Department emphasised the need for increased funding and greater advocacy to enhance accessibility and participation in the programme. During discussions, Members raised concerns about resource allocation for under-performing schools, the declining enrolment in STEM subjects, and the broader impact of the education system on economic opportunities. Concerns were also raised about school safety, with Members urging the Department to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement to address rising incidents of violence. The challenge of aligning NSC outcomes with the capacity of higher education institutions was also highlighted, as many learners who achieved bachelor passes were unable to secure placements at universities or TVET colleges. Calls were made for a more structured transition between basic and post-school education to ensure learners had clear pathways beyond matric. The Minister outlined plans to strengthen the three-stream model and improve career guidance to better prepare learners for the next phase of their education or entry into the workforce. She reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to addressing disparities between fee-paying and no-fee schools, ensuring that resources were directed to the most disadvantaged institutions. The Deputy Minister suggested that a joint engagement between the Portfolio Committees on Basic Education and Higher Education be arranged to bridge the gap between matriculation and post-school education opportunities. Umalusi provided further clarifications on examination quality assurance, monitoring efforts, and steps being taken to address irregularities. Concerns over lengthy investigations into group copying incidents were noted, with a call for improved systems to ensure that learners were not unfairly disadvantaged while awaiting outcomes. The Committee adopted the minutes from its previous meeting and resolved to receive written responses from the Department and Umalusi on outstanding queries. The Chairperson emphasised the need for basic education to translate into meaningful socio-economic opportunities and urged the Department to remain proactive in ensuring that learners, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, received the necessary support.