Question NW525 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
16 March 2023 - NW525
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, considering the significant difference between the results of the Independent Examination Board and the results of the National Senior Certificate, her department (a) has looked into the contributing factors which have perpetuated the cycle of difference in the results of the two and (b) is taking steps to close the gap through its proactive participation with schools; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
There can be no comparison made between the National Senior Certificate examinations administered by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and that administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). In 2022, the IEB administered the NSC exams to not more than 13 000 candidates; while the DBE administered the NSC exams to 920 634 full-time and part-time candidates.
The IEB examination is taken by independent schools that, in the main, cater for a select group of parents and learners, who are endowed with the best resources relating to teaching and learning; while the State system accommodates learners from the different South African socio-economic environments, ranging from deep rural to the township, to the urban schools. Hence, the 80.1% pass rate attained by the public schooling system, needs to be applauded and celebrated; and not compared to the 98.42% attained the independent schools.