The General Education Certificate (GEC) Training Workshop, held under the theme “Strengthening the system for second phase implementation of the assessment model”, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from 13 to 17 April 2026, marks a critical step in consolidating and advancing this key education reform. Organised by the DBE, the Workshop brought together key partners including UNICEF, Teacher Unions, GEC Provincial Champions and other stakeholders.
Dr Rufus Poliah, Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examinations, welcomed all to the Workshop and highlighted the four key components of the GEC: the Qualification, Curriculum, Assessment Model, and the Issuing of the Certificate. He indicated that the focus of the Workshop would be on the GEC Assessment Model and not on the other components. He went on to outline the objectives of the Workshop to: Review and reflect on the 2025 GEC implementation practices; Strengthen training through peer-led facilitation and subject-specific breakaway sessions; Strengthen the administration of GEC assessment components; integrate holistic assessment by incorporating subject anchors, case studies and EMIS systems to ensure the seamless rollout at schools and provinces; and build monitoring and advocacy capacity to ensure credible evaluation.
Insightful work and presentations followed the workshop’s objectives, setting clear directions for the breakaway sessions. participants engaged in focused discussions on the integrated project and 21st Century skills, as well as conduct and administration across different streams, including mainstream schools, technical schools, school of skills, and EMIS. The discussions centred on strengthening implementation approaches, improving alignment across streams, collective planning for implementation and changes within subjects. Provinces suggested innovative plans in their respective areas, demonstrating strong commitment and readiness to advance implementation of the GEC.
Dr Brigette Mthembu from the National Assessment unit reflected on the training, and exuded excitement in that the training reflected growing understanding, improved coordination and readiness for continued implementation in 2026. She highlighted key processes for the GEC implementation, including the integrated project, curriculum testing, and verification of marking, noting that the integrated project anchored on 21st Century skills.
Dr Poliah applauded the leadership driving GEC, both at Provincial and National levels. He reflected on whether teachers are embedding 21st Century skills in classroom practice, emphasizing that these skills should not only be assessed but fully integrated into teaching and learning.
In closing Dr Mark Chetty, Director for National Assessment, thanked participants for their engagement, noting growing provincial confidence in implementing GEC. He highlighted that all key elements were reflected in provincial plans and commended progress nationwide, with seven provinces achieving full implementation, including Limpopo and Kwa-Zulu Natal where all schools are on board.
The Workshop concluded on a high note with a strong sense of readiness and shared commitment across Provinces to implement GEC full scale. Progress reported undoubtedly revealed growing confidence and alignment with provincial plans, signalling a significant milestone in transforming teaching, learning and assessment.