With statistics from the department of higher education and training showing that less than a third of South African adults have a matric certificate – a qualification generally considered a prerequisite for job seekers – the country is far from tackling rising unemployment rates, unless businesses invest in development skills. This is the view of education experts, against the backdrop of public school matric results released yesterday by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, which also reflected high failure rates. Also read: Matric Class of 2022 records 80.1% pass rate According to Optimi Workplace’s Phemelo Segoe – a…
With statistics from the department of higher education and training showing that less than a third of South African adults have a matric certificate – a qualification generally considered a prerequisite for job seekers – the country is far from tackling rising unemployment rates, unless businesses invest in development skills.
This is the view of education experts, against the backdrop of public school matric results released yesterday by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, which also reflected high failure rates.
Also read: Matric Class of 2022 records 80.1% pass rate
According to Optimi Workplace’s Phemelo Segoe – a leading education and training company – South Africa faces “more and more problems and challenges.”
“These figures paint an alarming picture. They show millions of South Africans who cannot find work, while the country continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the world – unable to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty,” said Segoe.
Business and skills development
The answer, Segoe said, is “encouraging businesses to participate in upskilling initiatives, where they offer mature South Africans the opportunity to complete the mature matric or what is known as the Modified Senior Certificate (ASC)”.
“In fact, the regulatory environment provides this incentive, by giving additional B-BBEE companies [broad-based black economic empowerment] Points for participating in such initiatives.
“Broader benefits for the community, however, can be very positive,” Segoe explained. Professor Nicky Roberts, director of Kelello Consulting, said: “Matrix failure is a setback, but not the end of the world.
Also read: Here’s how your matric marks are calculated and how much you need to pass
“In relation to the Second Chance Matric Program (SCMP), there is a structured program in the department of basic education.
“I don’t like strong passes or failed claims,” Roberts said.
“It’s really about the quality of the pass – people with diplomas and not undergraduates should think about the opportunity to rewrite and review the SCMP.
“There is also a wide range of options available to Year 9 students. There are also education and training colleges with more technical courses to look at.”
Businesses will also benefit
Added Segoe: “Businesses that offer skills development programs for low-skilled workers and unemployed community members earn up to 25 points towards the B-BBEE scorecard.
“Companies with a turnover of more than R50 million must spend 6% of their salaries on skills development to qualify.
“This skill development initiative can take many forms: ASC, adult education and training (AET) and learning, which is very important. With ASC, students have a qualification that is recognized as equivalent to the matric,” said Segoe.
“Through AET, adults who fell off the academic wagon some time before Grade 9 have access to formal education – and through learning, employees can gain practical work experience, earning a living while completing their qualifications.
“Companies making these investments will not only help solve one of South Africa’s critical issues, in terms of education and employment, but will also improve business efficiency, productivity and overall performance.
Also read: Matric results 2022: Free State leads province with 88.5% pass rate
“Employees who are supported in this way will also feel more loyal to a particular company, which reduces the costs associated with high turnover.”
Upskilling employees who do not have a matrix or helping new recruits to complete the matrix – before they come on board – offers “various tangible and tangible benefits”.
“In a country like South Africa, which has many complex socio-economic and political problems, it is better to see the responsibility to solve these problems, as shown,” said Segoe.
– brians@citizen.co.za