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The Federation of Unions of South Africa and its affiliated trade unions say they welcome the 2012 National Senior Certificate pass rate.
Fedusa says however, it remains concerned about the standard and quality of basic education in South Africa, questioning the ability of basic education to meet the needs of both higher education and the labour market.
Secretary-general, Dennis George says its becoming clear that the standard of basic education is not up to scratch, as their union members working in the tertiary education sector continually complain about the standard of first-year students enrolled at universities.
He says it seems that the pressure to show good results is leading to a drop in standards.
Meanwhile Basic Education minister, Angie Motshekga, says the 3.7% improvement in the 2012 matric results is proof that the country's education system is starting to stabilize.
She says 2012 was a difficult year, but her department is ready for the 2013 academic year.
