Pass rate not top priority, says Motshekga
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says she is not too concerned about the matric pass rate in what has been an extremely difficult academic year.
Motshekga said the mere fact that matrics are writing exams this year already constitutes a success.
"I won’t cry about, honestly, I just am so grateful that we came this far and we will support those who do not make it. We will have time because we will write in June.
"I am quite humbled and grateful that we have come far this far, that for me is the prize.”
Motshekga said although they managed to salvage the 2020 academic year, the effects of the virus will still be felt in the years to come.
"As a sector, the consequences are going to be felt year down the line. In education, your second and third term are your most productive terms.
"From March to July that's where you do most of your work and that's the period we have lost out. I promise you we won't recover next year, we won't recover 2022," she said.
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Lesufi echoed Motshekga's sentiments, saying it does not matter which province gets the highest pass rate.
"It is about celebrating that we have saved this academic year and saving the future of these children," he said.
Lesufi said the final exam is an ode to the teachers who lost their lives due to Covid-19.
A total of 32 teachers lost their lives due to coronavirus-related disease.
"These examinations are for them, their family, the children they were teaching. We really believe they paid the ultimate price.”
Schools are required to have an isolation booth to allow pupils who test positive, or have a temperature over 38 degrees, to complete their exams.
