This is according to the MEC for Education in the Free State, Tate Makgoe. The MEC, who has been in office for over a decade, told members of the media gathered at Tsoseletso High School where he motivated Matrics ahead of their final exams that formalising grade nine as a second exit point of schooling is not about setting the benchmark low, but about helping those who cannot make it up to grade 12. 

Makgoe reiterated that the plan by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is also aimed at reducing the rate of failure, repetition and drop-outs.

Opposition members and several Education Activists have thus far, however, criticised the department over the planned GEC, stating that a number of TVET alumni are already without jobs, and that this certificate will not address fundamental issues faced within the education system.

Some social media users have also resorted to Twitter and Facebook to express their concerns over Motshekga's plan, questioning whether this will resolve unemployment issues faced in the country and whether more funds will be directed towards vocational schools as well as to whether she would allow her own children to take a similar route.

On the other hand, some have expressed their support for the plan and said compulsory schooling has always stopped at Grade 9 and that all the GEC will do is standardise the end Grade 9 assessments.

OFM News