Matrics need support during release of results

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has urged parents to monitor their children’s behaviour and give them the necessary support when the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are released in the New Year.

Dlamini briefed media in Pretoria on Monday about progress made in the second quarter of the year towards achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) by the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster.

She said learners who receive unfavourable matric results go through a difficult time which requires support.

“As we look forward to the NSC results, we also need to consider the plight of those who are not going to meet all the minimum pass requirements.

“To minimise depression, trauma and possible suicide among Grade 12 learners, we call upon parents and caregivers to look for changes in the behaviour of their children, to give them support and encourage them to go back to school,” she said.

The 2016 examinations recorded a total of 9 216 additional candidates from the number in 2015. A total of 677 141 full-time and 150 183 part-time candidates sat for final examinations this year.

The marking of the NSC examinations is currently under way at 140 marking centres around the country and the matric results will be released on 5 January.

This year, government launched the Second Chance Matric Support Programme which is a learner retention scheme. It provides support for candidates writing the supplementary examinations and the modularised NSC writing option in February, March and June.

Dlamini said through such second chance programmes, young South Africans will be integrated back into the education system to ensure they receive a second chance at being adequately qualified before entering the job market.

“There are more benefits to the country at large to have its citizens adequately educated. The education sector has made remarkable improvements in access, redress and equity; learning outcomes have shown an upward trend in national, regional and international tests.

“This has come as a result of the government’s focus on implementing programmes that ensure that learners receive support. Education is the cornerstone of youth employment, and ensuring that young people are educated and skilled is of prime concern,” said Dlamini. – SAnews.gov.za