Not passing matric can be discouraging, but it’s really just a small detour on life’s long journey.

Many successful South Africans have been in this position and gone on to accomplish remarkable things.

There are many practical ways to move forward—whether by rewriting, pursuing vocational training, or exploring a completely new path.

ALSO READ: Weekend forecast: Brace for bad weather conditions

Going forward

1. Check your results
Before making any decisions, make sure your results are accurate. Mistakes happen, and there’s a formal process to ensure marks are correct. A small adjustment could make all the difference, so it’s worth considering this first step.
If you believe your marks don’t reflect your effort, you can apply to have your exam scripts:
· Re-marked: Where they fully re-assess your paper.
· Re-checked: Where they verify for marking errors or missed questions.

Application forms are available from your school, exam centre, or district education office. You can also apply online through the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) e-Gov portal: www.eservices.gov.za.

Once registered, use your personal account to request a re-mark or re-check. Don’t miss the closing date, which is usually in January of the year following the exam.

2. Rewrite the exams
If the results remain the same, the next best option is to rewrite. You might not need to redo the entire year; in some cases, you can rewrite just one or two subjects.

Supplementary exams
You may qualify for supplementary exams if:
· You need a maximum of two subjects to pass.
· You missed an exam for medical reasons or due to a family emergency (with proof).
· You narrowly missed the requirements for university or college entry.

Registration for supplementary exams takes place immediately after results are released at your school or exam centre.

The Second Chance Matric Programme
This Department of Basic Education initiative gives pupils extra support to prepare for rewrites, including face-to-face classes, online lessons, and even TV and radio broadcasts. It helps you meet the requirements for either the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (SC), depending on your age and previous results.
For more info: Call 0800 20 29 33, visit facebook.com/DBE2ndChance or follow @DBE_SA on X.

3. Re-enrol and try again
If you didn’t qualify for supplementary exams, don’t give up. You can re-enrol at a school and redo your matric year, as long as you’re under 21 years old. Re-enrolling gives you a second chance with the benefit of another year of classroom learning, structured support, and new motivation. Many pupils improve significantly the second time around.

4. For pupils over 21: Adult education and training
If you’re 21 or older, you can still complete your matric, you just go a different route. You can register as a part-time candidate or enrol at an Adult Education Centre (AET or Community Learning Centres). These centres are open to both youth and adults who didn’t finish school.

You’ll work toward either:
· The National Senior Certificate (NSC) if you’ve already attempted matric
· The Senior Certificate (SC) for adults who never completed matric

You qualify for the Senior Certificate if you are 21+ and have:
· A Grade 9 school report (or old Standard 7), or
· A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), or
· An equivalent qualification at NQF Level 1 that includes two official languages.

5. Explore other paths
South Africa has a wide range of skills-based and vocational options that can lead to rewarding careers if you choose not to pursue your matric. You can also gain a qualification that helps you enter the workforce or start your own business while preparing to improve your matric results.

Further Education and Training (FET) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offer courses in:
· Engineering and construction
· Hospitality and tourism
· Business management
· Information technology
· Health and safety

6. Entry-level jobs
Certain jobs in retail, hospitality, construction, and customer service don’t require matric. Gaining work experience while pursuing education part-time can build your confidence and open doors to new opportunities.

Many people fail matric, rewrite, and move on to build bright futures. What matters is not giving up. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to your school, local education district office, or a career counsellor for guidance.

SOURCE: www.gov.co.za

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY