Don’t Give Up. Options are available for post school study and training

31 January 2023

Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation partner entity, Adopt-a-School, encourages all students who did not succeed in obtaining their matriculation qualification to not give up and to explore available options to continue schooling or training.

“Failing matric can be a setback, but it is not the end of the road,” says Steven Lebere, CEO of Adopt-a-School. “There are many options available, including rewriting exams, enrolling in courses that don’t require a matric, or applying for a learnership. With the right support and resources, you can build a sound career or profession,” he says.

Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is an independent public benefit organisation that works to improve education and grow small Black businesses for an inclusive and empowered society. Its school development programme is implemented by its partner entity, Adopt-a-School, and its post-school bursary support and youth development programme is the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET).

The Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP) is one option that allows individuals to rewrite their matric examinations with support from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

The SCMP is open to all learners who did not pass their matric examinations and wish to rewrite it. Registration for the examination, which takes place in June, is open until 8 February 2023. Targeted subjects include Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Economics, English (First Additional Language), Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, Physical Science, and Life Science.

To register, candidates can visit any district education office or register online at www.eservices.gov.za.

In addition to the SCMP, there are other options available for learners who have failed their matric.

Learners can enrol for courses that don’t need a matric at a number of institutions as well as at FET colleges. To apply to one of the 50 registered FET colleges in South Africa, all that is required is a Grade 9 certificate. Some of the fields of study that don’t require a matric include occupational health and safety, policing, forensics and investigation, project management, beauty therapy, childcare, basic computer studies, bookkeeping, accounting, workplace administration and secretarial studies.

Learners can also choose to study for a qualification that is comparable to a matric, such as an ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping or an ICB National Certificate in Business Financial Management.

Learners may also learn on the job and apply for learnerships and apprenticeships that do not require a matric.

Below are some resources to find internships:

“If you have failed matric and are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to remember that there is hope and support available to you,” Lebere says.

“Reach out for help and advice, and explore the options available to you to pursue a fulfilling future.”