Minister Pushes for Earlier Release of Matric Results
by Schools4SA
Minister Advocates for Earlier Matric Results Release
Key Items
- Nobuhle Nkabane's initiative to change the matric results release date.
- The impact of Covid-19 on the release schedule of matric results.
- The pressure on NSFAS and higher education institutions.
In an effort to ease the stress on both students and educational institutions, Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is advocating for the earlier release of the 2024 matric results. Traditionally, matric results have been made public during the first week of January. However, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the timing has been pushed back to later in January. For instance, in 2023, results were released in the third week of January, which overlapped with the beginning of several university courses, creating complications for students regarding university admission and financial aid applications. Nkabane's aim for the 2024 results to be published on January 16 is an attempt to resolve these issues and help first-time university students get the assistance they need from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These changes highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring students have adequate time to prepare for their futures. Proper timing of matric results could alleviate some of the pressures faced by students entering higher education, as they can then make informed decisions about their academic journeys without undue delay. All eyes will be on the announcement date, as it will set a precedent for future matric results schedules.
Higher education and training minister Nobuhle Nkabane is striving for a new release date for the 2024 matric results to alleviate pressure on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and tertiary education institutions. Traditionally, matric results are published in the first week of January, but due to delays since the Covid-19 pandemic, last year's results came out in the third week of January, coinciding with the commencement of some university courses. The upcoming results are set to be announced on January 16, the day following the basic education minister's release of overall trends.
Main Takeaways
- An earlier release of matric results will assist students in making timely decisions regarding university applications.
- The initiative aims to better align matric results with university start dates.
- Understanding the historical context helps in grasping the importance of this change.
Reference:
https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/education/2024-09-16-minister-pushes-for-earlier-release-of-matric-results/
