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The Class of 2024 has delivered a record-breaking 84.98% matric pass rate for the Eastern Cape, the province’s best result since 1994. This marks the fourth consecutive year of improvement and reflects the dedication and perseverance of learners, educators, parents, and stakeholders across the education sector.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to every matriculant, particularly the 45,662 learners who achieved bachelor passes, setting a new standard of excellence.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work invested by the Department of Basic Education and the leadership of Minister Siviwe Gwarube. Her efforts to stabilise and improve the education system, even within her first six months in office, are commendable. We particularly welcome her strategic reorientation towards early childhood development (ECD).

While we celebrate these gains, we must remain honest about the work still required. The high number of learners unaccounted for since entering Grade 1, both in the Eastern Cape and nationally, highlights the pressing need to address retention and ensure that no child is left behind. These learners are the untold stories behind the glossy headlines, and their futures remain a collective responsibility.

We fully support Minister Gwarube’s intention to develop systems capable of tracking each learner’s journey through basic education. These measures, which include tracking learners who transfer to independent or private schools or TVET colleges to complete their schooling, are critical to ensuring no child falls through the cracks.

We also note the increasing trend of Eastern Cape learners matriculating in other provinces, as highlighted in recent reports. One in 13 learners from our province now writes their matric exams elsewhere. This signals persistent inequalities in infrastructure and resources that must be urgently addressed to restore confidence in the Eastern Cape’s education system. Our learners deserve to thrive within their home province without having to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The increase in bachelor passes, distinctions, and improvements in 13 subjects are worth celebrating, but they also place greater pressure on tertiary institutions to accommodate this influx of talented learners. The synergy between basic and higher education must be strengthened to ensure these young people have access to further study opportunities and the skills required for a competitive economy.

We echo the sentiments of Education MEC Fundile Gade that education is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. As the DA, we stand firm in our commitment to:

Strengthening foundational phase learning to build a strong base for future success.

Implementing targeted interventions in maths and science to improve outcomes in these critical subjects.

Advocating for greater alignment between basic and higher education, ensuring our learners transition smoothly from school to university or the workforce.

We applaud the educators and departmental officials who, despite budget constraints and significant challenges, have gone above and beyond to achieve these results. The redirection of R600m to preserve teaching posts was a vital intervention, but sustainable solutions are needed to ensure long-term stability in the sector.

The Class of 2024 has set a new benchmark, but this is only the beginning. Our province and our country must continue to work together to ensure that every learner not only passes matric but does so with quality results that open doors to future success.

The DA will remain steadfast in holding the government accountable and ensuring the voices of learners, teachers, and parents are heard. The journey continues, and together, we can build an education system that leaves no one behind.

Issued by Horatio Hendricks MPL - DA Shadow MEC for Education