Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

BOSA Fails in Bid to Raise Matric Pass Mark to 50%

Loading player...
A heated education debate ended in disappointment for Build One SA, as Parliament voted down its proposal to raise the matric pass mark from 30% to a more ambitious 50%. 119 MPs, including the ANC, DA and FF Plus, opposed the motion, while 87, led by the MK Party, EFF, IFP, Rise Mzansi and ATM, backed it. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane argued that the current pass threshold sets learners up for failure and entrenches systemic inequality, from overcrowded classrooms to collapsing early childhood development. But MPs clashed sharply over the causes of poor outcomes and fears of destabilising the schooling system. Phemelo speaks to BOSA Deputy President Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster on what the defeat means for South Africa’s education future.
2 Dec 2025 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Music Feature: Black Coffee

In this week’s music feature, musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal reflects on the global impact of Black Coffee, who celebrated his 50th birthday this week. We revisit some
12 Mar 4PM 19 min

Sporong residents confront Human Settlements officials in Randfontein

Tensions are rising in Randfontein after residents from the Sporong informal settlement confronted Human Settlements officials over delayed relocation plans. Hundreds were forced to flee their homes after the area was overrun by illegal miners, known as zama-zamas. Community leaders say only about 40 people have received houses so far,…
12 Mar 4PM 18 min

What to Watch

In this week’s What to Watch, entertainment contributor Leroy Marc shares his latest picks - from the romantic drama Reminders of Him to the theatre production Bru, now showing at Joburg Theatre from the 12th to the 15th of March.
12 Mar 4PM 18 min

Uncertainty over SANDF deployment's mandate in Gauteng

Questions are mounting over the mandate of soldiers deployed in parts of Gauteng. On Wednesday, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) conducted surprise raids alongside police in Eldorado Park, Riverlea, Westbury and Sophiatown, seizing contraband and making arrests. But confusion remains over whether the operation is aimed…
12 Mar 4PM 9 min

Legal Matters: Understanding maintenance

In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana breaks down the different forms of maintenance from child and spousal support to maintenance claims involving siblings. She also tackles some of your pressing legal questions and explains what the law says about who is responsible for supporting whom.
11 Mar 4PM 40 min
All episodes