The Department of Basic Education announces a major advancement in the South African education landscape with the introduction of the General Education and Teaching Certificate (GETC), scheduled to be fully launched in 2025.
This certificate aims to recognize the achievements of students at the end of the compulsory education phase in year 9, i.e. a level 1 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The main objective is to offer an alternative route to many students who leave the school system without any qualifications, by offering them an opportunity to obtain the GETC. This will therefore provide them with a certain recognition in the labor market and could have a positive impact on youth employment, according to the ministry.
It is important to note that the GETC certificate is not considered an exit qualification, although it is provided as one of the two exit points from the school system in the Ministry’s performance plan.
By introducing the GETC in 2025, the ministry hopes to ensure that upon leaving the school system, every young South African will hold a national certificate. Currently, hundreds of students drop out of school each year without any qualifications, harming their employment prospects.
The pilot project was tested in a few schools in 2022 and officially launched in 2023. Ministry spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga told the Mail & Guardian that necessary preparations for its implementation have been completed and the process is continuing. will proceed as planned.
This certificate is part of the department’s new “three-track” model, aiming to direct learners towards different educational paths – academic, professional or occupational – depending on their academic performance.
Despite the ministry’s efforts to prepare students for the real world through its curriculum, criticism has come from academia. Some believe that learners holding a 9th year leaving certificate are not sufficiently prepared to meet the demands of the job market.
Statistics from South Africa show that around 40% of students do not make it to the final year. The dropout rate is particularly high between the 9th and 11th grades.
Despite concerns expressed by some stakeholders in the education sector, the ministry is confident that the GETC qualification will help reduce youth unemployment by providing them with an easier route to employment. However, other critics argue that this measure risks increasing socio-economic inequalities by widening the gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those from wealthier families.
In conclusion, the GETC certificate represents an important step in the modernization and diversification of the South African education system. However, it is essential that authorities continue to listen to the legitimate concerns of stakeholders and ensure that this reform benefits all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.