Johannesburg - AfriForum and Solidarity on Wednesday poured cold water over the 2012 matric results, which showed an improvement to the pass rate.
“Unfortunately, a matric certificate is not really the best preparation for the modern work environment,” Solidarity said in a statement.
The union said that, according to its research, only 50 percent of those with only a matric certificate were employed.
While this was an improvement over the 30 percent of those employed with no matric certificate, it was still lower than the 80 percent employment rate amongst those with some higher education.
“The modern economy demands more: more knowledge and the ability to apply such knowledge. For that reason the union advises the matric class of 2012 to obtain further education,” Solidarity said.
The union argued that only a small number of students achieve good results in subjects such as accounting, mathematics and physical science.
“Notwithstanding the regular official euphoria over an improved pass rate, these pitiable figures are the output of the school system year after year,” Solidarity said.
AfriForum criticised the results and said it did not address the large number of students who drop out of school without attempting to take their matric examinations.
“AfriForum regards the lack of mother language education in South Africa as one of the foremost reasons for the large number of learners who give up on school before completing matric,” the group said.
AfriForum said it had been proven that students learned more when taught in their mother tongue.
“The myth that English education gives children an advantage above learners studying in their mother languages unfortunately is being propagated.” - Sapa