The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, yesterday evening announced the national pass rate ofat 76.5 per cent, with the progressed learners excluded, which is a 0.3 per cent improvement from the 76.2 per cent achieved in 2016.
“For the past seven years, we have noted that the NSC pass rate has consistently been above the 70 per cent threshold. The Class of 2017 must be commended for maintaining this trend,” said Motshekga.
With the progressed learners included, the overall pass rate, stands at 75.1 per cent, which is a 2.6 per cent improvement from the 72.5 per cent achieved in 2016. This, represents a total of 401 435 candidates, who had passed the 2017 NSC examinations.
Further analysis of the results show that, of the number of candidates, who wrote the 2017 NSC examinations –
- 153 610 achieved Bachelor passes (equivalent to 28.7 per cent);
- 161 333 passed with a Diploma (equivalent to 30.2 per cent);
- 86 265 passed with Higher Certificates (equivalent to 16.1 per cent) and
- 99 passed with a National Senior Certificate.
“It is important to note that a total of 314 943 candidates (equivalent to 78.5 per cent), who achieved Bachelor and Diploma passes, are eligible to register for studies at higher education institutions.
“The 86 364 candidates (equivalent to 21.5 per cent), who obtained certificate passes, may register at TVET Colleges and other skills training institutions. We encourage the 133 049 candidates, who did not make it, to register for the Second Chance programme.”
She said in 2017, a total of 161 081 distinctions were achieved, an improvement of 1.8 per cent from 2016. The main contributors were Gauteng with 22.4 per cent of the distinctions.
In the 12 key subjects (including Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, and Physical Science among others), the total number of distinctions stands at 62 154, a decline of 4.6 per cent from 2016.
“We will be the first to concede that despite the notable stability of and improvements in our system, we are yet to cross our own Rubicon.,” said the Minister.
“We must agree that much has been achieved, but much more needs to be done in the areas of efficiency andquality. We call upon all South Africans to work together with us to move the public schooling to greater heights.
” In celebrating the Class of 2017, I must also thank the principals, teachers, and parents for the work they continue to do. What you do at the school level, is what matters the most. The nation had put the future of our learners in your hands, and you delivered. We applaud you for the great work you continue to do on a daily basis.”
