Supporting matrics to succeed
The Woza Matrics free-to-air television initiative is a crucial support mechanism for matric learners at an extremely challenging time
As matric learners work hard to complete their final year at school, the Woza Matrics free-to-air television initiative is providing them with the support they need to catch up on their studies after the major disruptions caused by the Coronavirus Disease.
This was the inspiration behind the groundbreaking Woza Matrics initiative from the Department of Basic Education, in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Multichoice, eMedia Investments and educational content providers.
Support mechanism
Every day since 1 September, Woza Matrics has been providing catch-up lessons on six key matric subjects — maths, geography, life sciences, physical sciences, accounting and maths literacy. Lessons are aired every day on SABC, DStv and Openview (Channel 122).The initiative is running for 12 weeks, with the goal of helping learners to prepare for their end-of-year exams.
Learners who miss the television programme will be able to freely access the full video library online, which covers all grades and all subjects.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshegka explained that this unprecedented initiative is a crucial support mechanism for learners at an extremely challenging time.
“Matric is always stressful, but 2020 has been filled with unusual stresses. I want to congratulate all our Grade 12 learners and their families for their perseverance and determination.
“It is abundantly clear that additional support is required for learners and we will continue to provide this. There are a few months left before
the end of the year and Woza Matrics will give learners the support they need to prepare for the final exams.”
While all learners have lost school time, the impact has been the greatest on Grade 12s because their marks are important for career and university choices and the content to be covered is fixed and externally examined.
Collaboration is key
Woza Matrics has been the result of extensive collaboration between government, education experts, content providers and the private sector.
E-learning company DigiCampus is one of the content providers of the lessons.The company was called upon to provide content from its comprehensive video library of the curriculum.
“It was an easy decision for us to become part of the initiative and make our resources available to the Woza Matrics programme, as it fits perfectly with our goal as a learning company.
“We aim to give access to quality education to all learners within SA's education system through our online platform,” said Tsepang Setipa, CEO of DigiCampus.
Learners can also access all the lessons on DigiCampus's online platform.
Madoda Mxakwe,
CEO of the SABC, said that Woza Matrics is a perfect example of how the public sector can fulfil its mandate of serving the people.
“As the SABC, we are pleased to be one of the key role players in saving the 2020 matric year. As a public service broadcaster, we are duty-bound to ensure that our content includes a significant amount of educational programmes, particularly during a period when it is most needed.
“Our role in this campaign is not only a social responsibility, but a commitment to fulfil a constitutional mandate of delivering content that is intended to restore the dignity of South African citizens.”
The initiative also has the support of private sector sponsors Satrix and Bidvest.
“This pandemic has affected the world in so many ways and as 2020 unfolded, urgent needs arose in many new spaces. Education wasn't a new one, just the way it is to be delivered. While every school year is important, matric is a makeor-break year for many learners and Satrix is proud to play a part in supporting them in this final stretch of 2020,” said Satrix CEO Helena Conradie.
Minister Motshekga acknowledged that this trailblazing initiative could not have been achieved without the support of the various stakeholders.
SABC, Multichoice and eMedia Investments made their broadcast networks and expertise available to Woza Matrics, while the content providers (including DigiCampus, Mindset and Monyetla Trust) shared their excellent content with Woza Matrics.The National Education Collaboration Trust, Programme for Improved Learning Outcomes, Satrix, educators and Bidvest, among others, are also part of the initiative.