Public School Teachers are True Agents of Change

Guest Column by Solam Yves Ludidi

The perception of many people is that private schools provide a superior education. Over the years, this view has aligned perfectly with the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric results. In 2023, the overall matric pass rate for independent schools was 98.46%, while the Department of Basic Education (DBE) attained 82.9%. In the preceding year, public schools achieved an 80.1% pass rate compared to a 98.42% pass rate for private high school students.

Last year’s public school matriculants performed fairly well, with an overall pass rate of 87.3%, which is 11% lower that the 98.47% pass rate attained by independent schools. As Ben Okri aptly puts it, “Reading, like writing, is a creative act. If readers only bring a narrow range of themselves to the book, then they’ll only see their narrow range reflected in it.” This statement highlights that the onus is on public school learners to shine a light on themselves.

However, many people still believe that children in public institutions are less smart than those in private schools. I firmly believe that a high standard of education results from the dedication shown by both teachers and pupils. Students must attend school, behave appropriately, pay attention, and complete their school work to achieve top marks, as nobody is born a failure.

The true measure of a student’s potential lies not in the type of school they attend, but in the dedication and effectiveness of their teachers. Public school teachers, often overlooked, play a pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering environments where all students can thrive. Moreover, parents of school-going children should be the driving force behind the motive of teaching, but many of them do not give their kids a chance to study.

As soon as children arrive home from school, they are instructed to do household chores such as babysitting, cooking, and washing dishes.

Children get busy with these activities throughout the day until it is time to watch soap operas with their parents. They then lag behind in their school work and may end up failing their studies, often leaving teachers to be blamed for it. Although most structured learning takes place within the confines of the school, that does not mean parents cannot have an active role in their children’s education. On the contrary, parents can encourage their children to do well in school.

That being said, training minds for the future is one of the most important aspects of life worldwide. Yet, many people undermine the public schooling system, often underestimating the value and impact of government schools. It is worth noting that those who hold these misconceptions may not fully understand the dedication and efforts of public school teachers.

Public school teachers are the backbone of our education system. They work tirelessly to provide quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, often with limited resources. These educators are more than just teachers; they are mentors, role models, and true agents of change. Their dedication goes beyond the classroom as they invest their time and energy into nurturing the potential of every student.

Many public school teachers create after-school programmes, tutoring sessions, and community projects, all aimed at fostering a supportive and enriching environment for their students. This commitment to making a difference is what sets public school teachers apart as true unsung heroes in education.

Public schools have produced countless success stories, showcasing the incredible impact of public school teachers. For instance, many notable public figures, including politicians, scientists, and artists, are products of public education. These individuals often credit their public school teachers for instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and critical thinking.

A book titled ‘A Teacher Changed My Life,’ written by Darren August, is a case in point. The former public school student is now a bestselling author, publisher, and motivational speaker. This serves as proof that public school teachers impart significant knowledge to their pupils.

Truth be told, public schools have been the cornerstone of education long before the advent of privatisation. Government schools have always made a lasting impact on pupils’ lives. This sentiment is echoed in the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) slogan: “Claiming our right to have our human dignity and safety protected and respected in pursuit of a decolonised, quality, public education.”
And that is indeed good news to my ears.

Works Cited:

1. Why Public and Private School Matric Results Can’t Be Compared
2. https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-01-14-class-of-2024-breaks-all-matric-records
3. IEB Matrics Achieve 98% Pass Rate For 2024
4. Matric exam results: Pass rates compared through the years
5. 2023 matric results: Top-performing private schools in South Africa – BusinessTech

Solam Yves Ludidi
Freelance journalist and writer based in Johannesburg
Contact number: 078 970 2446
E-mail: mkhizem070@gmail.com

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