New General Education Certificate Opens Doors for Grade 9 Learners to Greater Opportunities

• The introduction of the General Education Certificate (GEC) for Grade 9 pupils will mark a departure from the conventional educational structures
• The innovative model promises to address the long-standing challenge of young learners exiting the system without a national qualification
• With a focus on technical subjects, the GEC is set to redefine the educational landscape for Grade 9 learners

Trisha Pillay is a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg. She has devoted her professional life to covering social issues and community news for 13 years, sharing her expertise with newsrooms like the Citizen Newspaper, African News Network, and Newzroom Afrika. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email trisha. pillay@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.

JOHANNESBURG - The introduction of the General Education Certificate (GEC) for Grade 9 pupils is underway.

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Grade 9 learners' new opportunities

According to ENCA, this aims to tackle the persistent issue of young learners exiting the education system without a national qualification.

The Basic Education Department has revealed that the certificate's draft has been submitted to the qualifications regulator Umalusi for a comprehensive review and subsequent approval.

Once sanctioned, the GEC is poised to revolutionise the educational landscape by offering Grade 9 learners a shift towards more technical subjects. The GEC, designed on the innovative three-stream model, encompasses academic, vocational, occupational, and technical pathways.

Contrary to concerns about premature learners exiting their educational journey, the Department emphasises that the GEC enhances decision-making processes for further learning opportunities post-Grade 9 to empower learners and improve their academic trajectory.

South Africa's curiosity peaked

People throughout the country raised concerns over many students opting to leave after grade 9. While others felt this was good for learners struggling with school.

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Here are some of the reactions:

@josef_sleek321 says:

"I'm not pleased that a grade 9 learner can also choose to stay home and not go to a technical college,"

@bigb_maseka commented:

"Very misleading."

@mkhonto_tenza exclaimed:

"With the current syllabus, this proposal SHOULD be on hold until good quality education is in place."

@rowse_b advised:

"With or without the new certificate, learners still drop out of the education system anyway."

@unreservedBono3 asked:

"What is this GEC? The DoBE must explain the intention behind this new certificate."

School teacher posing as Grade 9 learner

In another related story, Briefly News reported about two playful school teachers who joined the Bacardi craze with a TikTok video of their dance performance.

One of the teachers wore a school uniform as they shot the funny content for Mzansi's viewing pleasure.

The footage gained traction, and viewers rated the colleagues' moves and swooned about their bond.

Source: Briefly News