Makgoe says although learners’ performance this past year significantly improved, there were those who underperformed, while others did not make it at all. A total of 72.5% of the matric class of 2016 passed, up from last year’s rate of 70.7%.  

Makgoe says there are programmes for learners who would like a second chance at obtaining desirable results. “You have a right to firstly check your results and apply for a remark. For quintile 1, 2 and 3 they can apply for a remark free of charge. The second opportunity is to apply for supplementary exams. Our learners must know that it is possible that even the brightest can actually underperform because of various issues, so supplementary exams give you a second chance”.

The Department of Basic Education's Second Chance Matric Support Programme is aimed at ensuring that the majority of South Africans are in possession of at least a matric certificate by the year 2020. 

To ensure that matriculants perform well, Makgoe says they will continue taking them to learning camps while they are in Grade 11. He says although maths and science has always posed a challenge, the department has put in place measures to ensure that learners’ performance improves in these subjects. He further urged parents to also play a role in motivating learners to try again.

Katleho Morapela/OFM News