Second chance matric registration nears closure
Johannesburg – The Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Matric Programme registration is set to close on 8 February.
The programme is for those who have not passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or extended Senior Certificate (SC) examinations, and is also open to those who want to improve their results.
In October Minister Angie Motshekga said at least 400 000 learners have been assisted through the programme to achieve passes towards their NSC or SC qualifications.
“The programme plays an important role in retaining learners beyond the formal schooling programme. Those who are disappointed by their poor performance at the end of their schooling career are able to continue with their studies at their own pace. They are able to register for one, two or more subjects and write examinations either in May, June or October and November. The face-to-face centres keep learners motivated, as they prepare for their examinations. Learners migrate within provinces, seeking job opportunities and that allows them to continue with their studies, irrespective of the province they relocate to,” she said.
The subjects learners can register for include Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies,
Economics, English First Additional Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, Physical Science and Life Sciences.
Motshekga added that the programme offers face-to-face and online support, and a wide range of learning support materials.
“The programme facilitates development of learning and teaching support materials based on diagnostic reports, so as to ensure that the materials focus on common areas of poor performance emanating from previous examinations. The materials are government-owned, printed and distributed to learners at no cost to them,” Motshekga said.
Those wishing to register for the programme online may do so on www.eservices.gov.za or visit any Basic Education department office with an ID and statement of results.
Those who are older or could not complete matric due to various reasons, and those who do not qualify for higher education can register at Community Education and Training (CET) colleges across the country.
The Higher Education, Science and Innovation department says the colleges are supported by 200 community learning centres. “They target post-school youth and adults who wish to raise the base for further learning, improve their skills for employability and progression to opportunities in the TVET colleges and university education. Community education and training offers programmes that contribute to improving community cohesion and social capital, and responsive to the geographic and sectoral needs and challenges.”
The colleges offer academic learning opportunities, including the General Education and Training Certificate for adults, courses in computer literacy and applied agriculture.
Minister Blade Nzimande said R200 million has been committed to support CET colleges, as they are critical to closing the skills gap.
“In addition to academic skills and occupational programmes already on offer, CET colleges offer two accredited programmes, Entrepreneurship and Digital Skills programmes. We will also accredit 35 pilot community learning centres, an addition to the 15 community learning centres accredited in 2021/22,” he said.
More information on the CETs is on the department’s website.
