The DBE hosted the Disability Roadshow on 5 March 2020 at the South African National Council for the Blind in Pretoria. Officials present at the event included Dr Lesiba Malapile, Prof Orbert Maguvhe, Mr Nad Ramsarup, Ms Refiloe Ndziba, Ms Nozipho Mpontshane, officials from Tshwane District office and 40 deaf and 70 blind learners from various municipalities from the Gauteng Province.

The Roadshow, directed by Mr Ramsarup, provided a platform for participants to ask questions, express concerns and share their feelings on the Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP). Ms Ndziba, the Coordinator of the Disability Sector SCMP, welcomed delegates and encouraged learners with disabilities to grab hold of the new opportunity offered by the SCMP.

Dr Malapile, Director of the SCMP, provided an overview of the programme; explained the nature of support to be provided by the DBE; and informed the cohort of learners about their eligibility to participate in the programme. Prof Maguvhe encouraged learners to take the programme seriously as it will open many doors for people with disabilities. He stressed that the teaching and learning of the SCMP for the disability sector will not be compromised, but that it will be of a high quality and standard. Officials from the Tshwane District office discussed the learner registration processes; identification of examination centres; and the format of question papers for learners with special needs.

Learners who were thrilled at accessing the SCMP for the first time, were registered by a team of officials from the Examinations Section of the Tshwane District Office and officials from the DBE Communication Chief Directorate. Registered learners will be provided with tuition in various special schools across the country. They will write their very first matric examination through the SCMP in October 2020.

Additional Roadshows will also be taking place across all provinces later this year.