The Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP) Career Day was held at Zwide Community Centre, Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape Province on 29 May 2026, bringing renewed hope to learners and adults determined to complete or improve their matric qualifications and access opportunities for further study through bursaries.
The initiative is designed to support individuals who have not yet met the requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (SC). In doing so, it contributes to the objectives of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) by promoting learner retention and increasing access to education. The programme provides participants with an opportunity to obtain their Grade 12 qualification, thereby opening doors to further education, skills development, and employment opportunities. Key benefits include improved academic performance, enhanced computer literacy, better career prospects, and access to bursary opportunities.
The Career Day aimed at assisting young people seeking to improve their NSC results, as well as out-of-school youth exploring career and employment opportunities. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Nelson Mandela University, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, FNB, Transnet, schools, and partner organisations. These stakeholders provided valuable information on study pathways, career opportunities, bursaries, and educational programmes.
According to Dr Sandy Malapile, Director of the SCMP, collaboration amongst institutions and access to information are critical in creating opportunities for young people. He explained that candidates may register to rewrite matric examinations in June or October 2026. The programme also caters for learners who have already passed matric but need to improve specific subjects to meet higher education admission requirements, those who previously did not pass matric, and adults aged 21 and older who completed Grades 9 to 11 or ABET Level 4 but did not sit for matric examinations.
Registration for the next cycle will open on 1 October 2026 for the May/June and October 2027 examination sessions. Candidates will be able to write two subjects in May and the remaining subjects in October. Through these opportunities, the programme continues to promote access to education, skills development, and improved prospects for both higher education and employment. What is even more exciting, is that the programme is also expanded to cater for learners with disabilities.
The FNB representative highlighted the importance of personal financial education as part of the programme. The financial literacy component equips learners with essential money management skills through five key focus areas: understanding money, managing debt, growing wealth through savings and investments, protecting valuable assets, and building a financial legacy for future generations. Participants are taught how to make informed financial decisions, manage both personal and business finances responsibly, and understand fundamental financial concepts such as budgeting and bank accounts. The programme aims to empower learners with practical financial knowledge and skills that can contribute to long-term financial stability, economic independence, and overall personal development.
The Second Chance Matric Programme continues to serve as a valuable platform for empowering learners, providing second chances, and creating pathways to education, employment, and lifelong success.