Matrics sabotaged by government mismanagement

As democratic South Africa enters the year of its 21st birthday it should be coming of age imbued with the energy of youth and the composure of maturity.

This young-adult nation should be starting to realise its potential and be honing its ability to compete in the modern world.

This matric results week focuses us on the transition from callow youth to responsible, industrious adulthood. We will hear stories of precocious and brilliant kids - the embodiment of our highest hopes for the future - and heart-warming tales of youngsters overcoming disadvantage thanks to discipline and dedicated teachers, an affirmation that we can achieve remarkable things.

But, inevitably, a shadow looms. The matric story overall will again be one of gross underachievement. Widespread cheating in the exams has added a sordid footnote this time around.

Arming children with a decent education is the best way to prepare them for the mean streets of adulthood. But millions will not have that armour - often not through lack of effort on the part of themselves or their parents but because of the neglect of their government.

Of all the many failings of the ANC administration over the past 21 years, its disastrous handling of education is perhaps the most disgraceful - and most dangerous.

Some commentators say its performance in this regard borders on the treasonous, for it fatally undermines the economy, on which hangs the country's prospects. A poorly educated, under-skilled workforce cannot create the national resources required to uplift poverty-stricken millions, bridge wealth gaps and give those fresh-faced sprogs hope for the future.

With idiotic policy such as outcomes-based education, indulgence of a malevolent teachers' union and a lazy indifference to the fate of its people, the government brands itself as an enemy of intellect and innovation.

We believe the president and his "brains trust" would benefit from sitting in after class and writing out a couple of thousand times: "I must do better at school!"