There are calls for Limpopo Education MEC Polly Boshielo to be fired following a 1.5% decline in the Matric pass rate. Limpopo was found to have been the only province with a pass rate below the 70% threshold, as the province's pass rate stands at 66.7%
The Congress of South African Students (COSAS, as well as the EFF Student Command, and the SGB Forum of Limpopo are among the political parties and organisations, that have called for Boshielo to be sacked, saying she is to blame for the decline.
However, Education Analyst, Dr Eddie Ngwepe says that calls for the MEC’s dismal are not entirely justifiable, because the provincial department is faced with bigger systemic and structural challenges.
He adds that to a large extent, it has been because of similar calls in the past that the Provincial Education Department in Limpopo has had several MEC’s, which has consequently destabilized the education system in the province
Ngwepe further states that the department should take a more holistic approach and do a thorough diagnosis of the underlying issues behind the ongoing dismal performance.
Doing this, according to the Education Analyst, will result in a more sustainable solution that would even stabilize the provincial department.
Meanwhile, the premier’s office has stated that they are aware of the ongoing concerning sentiments and has instructed Limpopo’s Education Director-General, to convene an Education Indaba.
The event will include other Education sector stakeholders and is intended for the department to thoroughly examine the issue.
