Learners are studying hard to ensure that a bright future awaits them after completing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate examinations later this month. However, not all matric candidates will be excited when Minister Gwarube announces the national results on 12 January 2026.
Dr Sandy Malapile, Director for the Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP), explains that “the aim of the SCMP is to provide support to learners who have not been able to meet the requirements of the NSC or the amended Senior Certificate, including those who desire to upgrade or improve their marks. The support is offered by the DBE, and in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), to propel South African students towards success. Support is provided to learners through face-to-face classes; printed Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM); digital content; and broadcasting solutions. Another partner includes the Department of Correctional Services to provide opportunities to youth in correctional facilities. Students with special education needs have also been included in the programme”.
During 2025, ahead of the October/November examination, the support provided to candidates include: after-hours and over weekends classes conducted in 50 centres; LTSM were supplied to 50 SCMP and 43 DHET centres; 15 learner workshops were conducted in all Provinces; monitoring of classes were conducted in 10 centres; and support was provided through the free online resources such as educational broadcast (radio and TV), educational App and support through the toll-free number.
A collaborate Task Team has been established to explore the migration of SCMP from the DBE to the DHET. The Team has identified areas of collaboration such as the registration of students; support for learners; the utilisation of DHET facilities that are available throughout the day; and advocacy and roadshows. The migration should commence with collaboration and phased in over the next few years. To equip learners with employability skills for the modern world, the new areas identified are the integration of skills through free online courses and workshops. In addition, learners will be able to access international scholarships with opportunities to engage in the creative economy space. Tracer studies will also be conducted, and an Adult Literacy concept paper will be targeting 3.8 million students. “All the above developments will provide better prospects for students intending to access post-school employability,” Dr Malapile concluded.
For additional information on the SCMP, click on the below link:
https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/SecondChanceProgramme.aspx