Those pupils who wrote their matric exams in late 2022 still have over a fortnight to wait to receive their results. Image via Adobe Stock
Matric results: Here are the requirements to pass Grade 12
More than 537 000 pupils have passed matric, but what exactly determines whether a Grade 12 pupil fails or passes the academic year
Those pupils who wrote their matric exams in late 2022 still have over a fortnight to wait to receive their results. Image via Adobe Stock
The Department of Basic Education has finally released the results of the 2021 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Exams, showing that the class achieved a 76.4% pass rate. While that figure itself is a matter for debate, there has also been an interest in how the department determines whether a Grade 12 pupil fails or passes the academic year.
Weeks leading up to the release of the matric results, saw many debate the quality and standard of education in South African schools after One SA Movement leader Mmusi Maimane expressed his discontent over what he said was the 30% pass mark required to leave school.
This has been fiercely denied by the department, which labelled Maimane’s utterances as misinformation. When Minister Angie Motshekga announced the results on Thursday evening, 20 January 2022, she once again addressed the claim.
Motshekga said they would continue giving clarity on the minimum requirements to pass matric, until it is understood by the general public.
“In a nutshell, all that needs to be said is that 30% is not a pass mark in this country. If any candidate gets an aggregate of 30% in all subjects written, that candidate will surely fail. There are myths, fallacies and misinformation that get paddled year-after-year, almost by the same people on this matter”
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: DID YOU PASS OR FAIL MATRIC?
The Department of Basic Education says the requirements for one to pass Grade 12 are divided into three categories – pupils qualify either for a bachelor’s degree, diploma studies or higher certificate pass.
- To obtain a bachelor pass, learners need to get a minimum of 40% for their home language, 50% in four other subjects and at least 30% for the language of learning
- For a diploma pass, pupils must obtain 40% for their home language, at least 40% in three other subjects and a minimum of 30% in the language of learning
- For a higher certificate pass, the home language pass mark is still 40%, at least 30% in the language of learning and at least 40% in two subjects and a minimum of 30% in other subjects
