Use IEB schools, Lesufi

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi’s call for one exam for all matriculants is misplaced and unfortunate.

Academic freedom and freedom of consumer choice are enshrined in our constitution. Will Lesufi’s next step be to call for all universities to write the same papers?

Maths was previously divided into two papers, standard and higher grade. People have different IQs. There are different professions for this reason.

The department of basic education collapsed standard and higher grade maths into one paper, which leading universities concluded is at the standard grade level. That is similar to the difference in standards between Independent Examinations Board (IEB) maths and National Senior Certificate maths.

In South Korea, the problem was addressed by spending more time teaching maths at schools. The results were astonishing — maths performance improved significantly. Education is crucial to economic development. A skilled workforce and top professionals are essential for a strong economy, as illustrated by South Korea.

Lesufi should call for reinstatement of grade 10 external exams to ensure grade 12 students are adequately prepared for their final exams.

In some IEB schools the majority of pupils are now black. Their parents are not necessarily rich, but sacrifice their income to escape the dysfunctional educational system in the townships.

Lesufi should identify gifted black pupils at primary schools and persuade the government to enrol them at IEB schools. This could be the single most important step in alleviating poverty in the black community.

Jeffrey Mothuloe Via email