Matric results will be released on the later-than-usual date of 19 January, raising concerns for learners applying for tertiary places or a chance to upgrade their results.
Parents, learners and non-profit organisations are not happy, claiming that this will lead to many students having to put their future on hold — or settle for less than they aspire to.
With the new academic year commencing in early February, learners have barely any time to adjust their applications based on their results.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, one of the parents from Newcastle, Nokuphiwa Mncube, stated that since 2020 they have been facing the same crisis because of the late release of matric results.
“My daughter was unable to apply on time due to certain issues that affect most rural kids. She waited for her results and unfortunately when they finally came it was already late for her to apply and get her choice of institution.”
“This is not fair at all and I don’t know why they are doing this,” said Mncube.
Skhanyiselo Mdlalose of Zenzele Matric Upgrade said that the biggest problem is that most rural kids don’t apply to universities or colleges in advance but instead wait for the release of the results.
“It is an unfortunate situation that we all find ourselves in,” said Mdlalose.
“When the results finally come, the biggest challenge is that most learners won’t have enough opportunity to upgrade their results so that they can be accepted to an institution of their choice. The time is very limited and most institutions would have already started their academic year.”
Mlungisi Zungu of the Sinothando Youth Foundation said they are busy assisting some learners to apply to universities and colleges but they are concerned about the release date that has been set by the Department of Basic Education.
“How are we going to help those who apply very late if they release matric results at this date, which is almost the end of January? This is wrong and they need to fix this,” he said.
On Monday morning Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande told the SABC uKhozi Fm Current Affairs show that they already have the number of students that are going to be accepted to an institution of higher learning.
Some years ago results were released between Christmas and New Year’s Day to allow learners to have more time to apply and upgrade their results.
Pictured above: Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga
Image source: Twitter
