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The matric pass rate and the quality of education provided at public schools is a key determinant of South Africa’s ability to grow its economy.  Although the improvement in the pass rate is welcomed, it is questionable whether it is sufficient to support a strong economic growth trajectory.

Concerns are growing about the quality of the education received at public schools and that South Africa is challenged in creating employable school leavers.  The 2011 annual South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) member survey showed that 55% of our members place “Lack of Skilled Labour” as a high priority problem facing the South African economy.  In addition, members ranked Education as the government portfolio in need of greatest attention.  Both these results correlate with the findings of a similar SACCI survey in 2010.

A matriculant entering the job market in 2012 will be challenged by both the low number of opportunities available, as a consequence of the current economic circumstances, and by concerns about the level of investment required to ensure that candidates will be able to contribute effectively to organizations.  SACCI calls on government to address the weaknesses in the education system, as a matter of priority, toward the objective of creating a more competitive economy.

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