Should the national matric pass mark be raised to 50%? Recently, MPs urged the Department of Basic Education to consider this increase, sparking questions about how a higher pass mark could impact students, teaching quality, and overall educational standards. However, some critics of the proposal point out that systemic issues in the education system, including resource inequalities and varying school conditions, need to be addressed first. Some argue that simply raising the pass mark without improving educational support could set up students, especially in under-resourced schools, for failure.  Is this change necessary for academic excellence, or would it create more challenges for students and teachers alike? Joining me to unpack this conversation is Professor Mbulungeni Madiba, the Dean of Education at Stellenbosch University (SU).