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As the Class of 2024 prepares to sit for their matric exams, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to every learner who has reached this significant milestone. These final exams mark the culmination of 12 years of dedication, sacrifice, and effort, and I encourage each learner to give their best as they take this next step towards their future.

However, as we celebrate the determination of our matriculants, we must also confront the harsh realities they face. The state of the Eastern Cape’s schooling infrastructure remains in dire condition, with many schools still crippled by the lack of essential facilities. Safe classrooms, proper sanitation, and even basic resources continue to be missing, leaving learners to grapple with far more than their exam papers.

Despite this, the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) has set an ambitious target of an 85% matric pass rate for 2024. While we should all strive for excellence, we cannot ignore the dire conditions many of our learners face daily. The maintenance backlog, standing at a staggering R80 billion, highlights how our schools have been neglected.

Education MEC Fundile Gade celebrated last year’s 81.4% pass rate, but the reality is much more sobering. The alarming fact that 42,439 learners disappeared from the system between Grade 10 and Grade 12 cannot be overlooked. When these missing learners are factored in, the pass rate falls to 56.4%, a figure that paints a much bleaker picture of the state of education in the Eastern Cape.

Learners should be able to focus on their studies without worries about dilapidated school buildings, a lack of teachers, or the threat of violence. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will continue to fight for the systemic reforms needed to provide a safe, supportive, and functional learning environment. No learner should have to overcome these odds just to achieve their educational goals.

The DA is again calling on MEC Gade to address the urgent need for infrastructure investment and to stop masking these deep-rooted issues with inflated pass rate targets. We need qualitative outcomes, not quantitative goals that result in abandoning those who are unable to perform.

To the matriculants of 2024, your resilience in the face of these challenges is inspiring. The system's failings do not define you. Rather, it is your determination to rise above them that does. 

The DA remains committed to ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive and realise their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. Every learner deserves the chance to succeed in a safe and conducive environment. We wish the Class of 2024 all the best in their exams.

Issued by Horatio Hendricks MPL - DA Shadow MEC for Education