Parliament Blocks Mmusi Maimane’s Push To Raise Matric Pass Mark To 50%

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane’s proposal to raise South Africa’s matric pass mark from 30% to 50% has been dismissed by the National Assembly.

Maimane had argued for a phased increase in the benchmark, warning that the current 30% threshold carries long-term consequences for learners. He maintained that the existing standard undermines the quality of education and future opportunities.

Despite support from several smaller opposition parties, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) voted against the motion, ultimately blocking it from progressing.

Mmusi Maimane Push To Raise Matric Benchmark Sparks Debate in Parliament

Presenting his case, Maimane criticised the 30% pass mark, saying education authorities had set it to “beef up” the overall pass rate numbers. He insisted that improving early learning would help ensure pupils can meet higher standards.

He said young people could excel if they received solid Early Childhood Development (ECD) and primary school foundations, adding, “Ending the 30% pass mark is not the only standalone reform. It signals the seriousness that we uphold our standards.”

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During Tuesday night’s vote, the ANC and DA rejected the motion, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and ActionSA backed the call for reform.

The motion ultimately fell away. However, parliamentary rules allow for a similar proposal to be introduced again at a later stage.

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