UNION OPTIMISTIC MATRIC PASS RATE WILL BE BETTER THAN PREVIOUS YEARS

By: Surprise Golela

The National Teachers Union (NATU) is optimistic that the matric pass rate will be better than previous years despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Basic education minister Angie Motshekga will announce the overall pass rate as well as the country’s top achievers on Monday evening.

The rest of the 2020 matric class will have to wait for the release of their results on Tuesday.

“Because the teachers of South Africa have worked very hard. They sacrificed themselves, worked weekends, morning hours and late afternoons teaching and assisting our Grade 12 learners and getting them ready.” said NATU general secretary Cynthia Barnes.

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga has urged pupils to collect their result statement at school.

“The next day, the 23rd [February], that’s when you actually get your results. We always say go to the schools and collect the actual statement.

“It will help you in many ways. You can get advice and you can apply for a remark or rewrite if you didn’t pass. Schools are ready for you, they have arranged schedules when people can go collect the statement of results, remember the Covid-19 protocols remain in place.”