---
title: "Not making the grade"
description: "South African education system faces ongoing challenges, with many students failing to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards. Recent reports highlight disparities in educational quality across urban and rural areas, exacerbating inequality. Stakeholders call for urgent reforms, including improved teacher training and resource allocation. The need for innovative solutions is critical to ensure future generations are equipped for a competitive job market."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Maverick Citizen"
author: "2Lani and UBUNTOONS"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/2lani-afritoons/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-04-15-not-making-the-grade/"
published: "2025-04-15T11:12:04"
updated: "2025-04-15T11:12:08"
lang: "en-ZA"
---

# Not making the grade

> Not making the grade

By 2Lani and UBUNTOONS · Published 15 April 2025, 13:12 SAST · Updated 15 April 2025, 13:12 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where grades seem to matter more than actual learning, it's clear that some students are mastering the art of not making the grade with the finesse of a seasoned procrastinator.
- South African education system faces ongoing challenges, with many students failing to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards.
- Recent reports highlight disparities in educational quality across urban and rural areas, exacerbating inequality.
- Stakeholders call for urgent reforms, including improved teacher training and resource allocation.
- The need for innovative solutions is critical to ensure future generations are equipped for a competitive job market.

## Content

![Not making the grade](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Not-making-the-grade1-480x339.jpg)