CheckPoint Podcast | Why SA’s pass rates lie: Maths, metrics and accountability

Dr Mamokgethi Phakeng joins Nkepile Mabuse on CheckPoint: The Podcast for a direct conversation about education accountability in South Africa, and why the numbers we celebrate can hide the reality learners live. This episode unpacks: · Why learners and teachers take the heat when results fall, while underinvestment avoids consequences · How schools can be incentivised to move learners away from pure maths to protect averages · Why “good” pass rates can mask weaker quantitative outcomes · The quiet harm of language shame in classrooms · The practical case for multilingual learning, including bilingual textbooks If we want real improvement, we need more than better optics. We need accountability, stronger foundations, and policies that protect learning dignity. Catch up on all CheckPoint Podcast episodes here: https://enca.prod.acquia-sites.com/ch...