Behind the celebrations and accolades lies another reality: the stark and persistent inequality faced by learners in underprivileged schools. The gap between fee-paying and no-fee schools is more than just a statistic – it’s the story of a system in need of urgent transformation.
By SIGAMONEY MANICKA NAICKER
As matric results are announced, we’ll see the headlines light up with stories of top achievers – shining examples of what’s possible in our education system. Yet, behind the celebrations and accolades lies another reality: the stark and persistent inequality faced by learners in underprivileged schools. The gap between fee-paying and no-fee schools is more than just a statistic – it’s the story of a system in need of urgent transformation.
Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive education system where no child is left behind. To start, let’s reflect on what past results reveal about the challenges we face.
The reality behind the results
- Disparities in educational outcomes
The contrast between fee-paying and no-fee schools is undeniable. In the Western Cape, for example, 49.5% of students in fee-paying schools achieve Bachelor passes, compared to just 21.5% in no-fee schools. This divide reflects differences in resources, with affluent schools boasting state-of-the-art facilities, smaller classes, and highly qualified teachers, while no-fee schools struggle with overcrowding, under-qualified staff, and inadequate infrastructure.
- The impact on communities
When young people in underprivileged schools face poor matric results, their opportunities for higher education and meaningful employment diminish, often leaving them trapped in cycles of poverty. The ripple effects are felt across communities, contributing to rising crime, substance abuse, and social instability. Fixing education isn’t just about better schools—it’s about building safer, more stable communities.
- Hidden inequalities
Provincial averages may seem impressive, but they often mask the harsh realities of many no-fee schools. High-performing schools dominate the statistics, leaving struggling schools in the shadows. This systemic neglect perpetuates inequality and leaves the most vulnerable behind.
The gender perspective
Gender inequality complicates the picture even further. While girls often outperform boys in affluent schools, girls in no-fee schools face unique challenges, such as gender-based violence, inadequate sanitary facilities, and societal pressures. Boys, on the other hand, frequently disengage due to economic hardships or the absence of male role models.
A call for change
To create an education system that uplifts all learners, we need bold, collective action:
- Equitable resource allocation
Redirect funding to no-fee schools to close resource gaps, from infrastructure to textbooks and technology.
- Empowered teachers
Provide targeted training and support for teachers in underprivileged schools to address the unique challenges they face.
- Smaller classes
Reduce teacher-to-pupil ratios to allow for more personalized instruction and better outcomes.
- Supportive policies
Address barriers like hunger, unsafe commutes, and lack of proper school facilities to create an environment where learning can thrive.
- Focus on Equity
Shift the narrative from celebrating high-performing schools to lifting underperforming ones. Accountability must centre on outcomes that benefit all learners.
Progressed learners: A wake-up call for the Western Cape
Progressed learners – those advanced to the next grade despite not meeting all requirements – are often the most vulnerable. In 2022, only 26.6% of progressed learners in the Western Cape passed, far below the national average of 43.6%. This glaring disparity calls for urgent intervention to provide meaningful support for these learners. By embracing equity and social justice, the Western Cape can turn this trend around, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
Conclusion
The Western Cape once led the nation in educational performance. Yet, as focus shifted away from underprivileged schools, its performance has steadily declined. This should be a wake-up call: progress isn’t just about top achievers – it’s about uplifting every learner.
Let’s seize this moment to recommit to inclusive education. By addressing systemic inequalities, we can restore the province’s standing and, more importantly, build a fairer, more stable society.
To all matriculants, especially those who’ve faced adversity and defied the odds, I wish you every success. Your hard work and resilience deserve to be celebrated. May the authorities recognise your struggles and champion your victories.
Together, let’s create a future where every child has a fair shot at success. Our society depends on it.
- Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker is the author of Education and the Working Class, Is There Hope for an Inclusive System? He is an Extra-Ordinary Professor at the University of Western Cape, a Visiting Professor at Leeds Trinity University, Research Fellow at the University of South Africa and a member of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy.
