Political parties commend better 2018 matric results

THREE major political parties in South Africa have congratulated learners who passed their 2018 matric exams.

ANC acting national spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, said the 2018 matric results were an affirmation that the painstaking process to transform the education system, and the significant investment made every year, are bearing fruit.

‘We are encouraged by the upward momentum demonstrated by provinces that have historically struggled to improve their performance.

‘The significant achievements by a number of provinces, is cause to celebrate and must spur us on to achieve even better results.

‘The drop in the Northern Cape and Western Cape is a cause for concern which requires immediate attention to arrest the decline and improve learner performance this year,’ said Kodwa.

He congratulated the class of 2018 for their sterling performance and the hard work of educators, school governing bodies, parents and the broader civil society, who have provided an invaluable support system to the learners.

IFP spokesperson on basic education, Xolani Gwezi, said the IFP congratulates the class of 2018 for the result they have achieved for themselves and the country.

‘However, it would be remiss to welcome these results wholeheartedly and negate the prevailing realities confronting our education system.

‘Learners and teachers continue to toil against difficult odds, ranging from a lack of internet and technological advances in an age of technology, lack of access to electricity and water, no libraries or laboratories and the general norm of dilapidated infrastructure.

The previously disadvantaged schools remain disadvantaged. The learning fields are not even.’

DA KZN spokesperson on education, Dr Rishigen Viranna, congratulated all learners who passed despite facing numerous challenges.

‘Without a Grade 12 certificate, young people have little hope for the future. They make up what is fast becoming a ‘missing generation’, he said.