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Both Public and Private Sectors must now create opportunities for the Class of 2014

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) wishes to congratulate the matric class of 2014 for their achievement of a 75.8% matric pass.

“As the NYDA, we commend the matric class of 2014 for achieving the 75.8% pass under the fairly new Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).  Furthermore, we heartily congratulate the Department of Basic Education and all educators who were instrumental in preparing learners for their National Senior Certificate exams. We encourage all disadvantaged learners with exceptional results to apply for the NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship,” says NYDA Executive Chairperson, Yershen Pillay.

The NYDA wishes to emphasise the role of education in job creation for young people. “No private sector company will employ a young person who does not have the basic educational qualifications or skills requirements,” stresses Pillay. "Now that 75.8% of the class of 2014 has done their part and obtained that important matric certificate the task of creating opportunities for them to study further or gain decent and meaningful employment  becomes an apex priority."

More opportunities must be created for those who failed to be given a second chance to re-write their examinations while those who have passed must be encouraged to study further. It therefore becomes important for both the public and private sector to work together in ensuring that the majority of those who passed from the class of 2014 do not land up on the streets.

We commend the significant increases in Mathematics and Physical Sciences of 53% and 61% respectively up from 47% in 2010 and we hope many of these young people will take up opportunities to study further as artisans, engineers or any one of the scarce skills.

“To all the young learners who are about to embark on a brand new journey of tertiary education or employment, be assured that as the Government of South Africa, we are fully behind you and will try our utmost to support your future endeavours," adds Pillay.

Learners who did not manage to pass their National Senior Certificate exams are encouraged to enroll in the NYDA Second Chance Matric Rewrite Programme for free matric revision and an opportunity to rewrite their matric exams and achieve their full potential during 2015. Applications for the Second Chance Matric Rewrite Programme close on 20 February 2015.

To all learners wishing to apply for the NYDA Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship, please note that application close on 15 January 2014 and can be made directly to institutions of higher learning.

Issued  by NYDA