Matric Results 2024: A Celebration for Some, a Crossroads for Others

By: Busiswa Lutshaba for ACTIVATE! Change Drivers

On Monday, January 14, 2025, the matric results for the 2024 academic year will be officially released. While this day will mark a moment of celebration for many learners and their families, for others, it will bring disappointment as they face the reality of not meeting the minimum requirements to pass Grade 12 and advance to the next phase of their academic or professional lives.

The challenges that hinder students from continuing their education after matric go beyond failing to meet academic standards. Key factors include:

  • Financial Exclusion or Challenges
  • A Lack of Guidance on Career Paths
  • Limited Access to Resources

Over the years, media reports have highlighted the frustration and turmoil surrounding applications and placements in higher education institutions.

In a tragic incident in 2012, a mother lost her life during a stampede at the University of Johannesburg, which revealed flaws in the institution’s application process. Additionally, 22 prospective students were injured. (SourceMother dies in university stampede)

In South Africa, we face not only a high unemployment rate among graduates but also a broader youth unemployment crisis. This issue impedes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting quality education and sustainable cities and communities.

What Are the Solutions?

We know that graduating from university no longer guarantees a job, leaving many recent matriculants and current students questioning their options. Additionally, the job landscape is not only competitive but keeps evolving.

Below are some pathways to consider which I express:

  • Entrepreneurship and small business development

Entrepreneurship offers an exciting and viable option for matriculants who may not immediately pursue further studies. Starting a small business or providing a service in your community can not only help you earn a living but also develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and financial management.

Understanding Yourself: Maven, Salesperson, or Connector?

Before starting your entrepreneurial journey, it’s essential to identify your strengths. American author Malcolm Gladwell in his book titled ‘Tipping Point’ describes, which happens to be my current read, talks about three types of people who play key roles in business and networking: MavensSalespeople, and Connectors. Understanding which category, you fall into can help you choose the right path.

  1. Mavens
    Mavens are people who love learning and sharing their knowledge. If you’re naturally curious and enjoy researching, comparing options, or finding the best deals, you might be a Maven. As an entrepreneur, Mavens thrive in industries where their expertise can guide others, such as:

    • Blogging or vlogging about topics they’re passionate about (e.g., fashion, tech, or fitness).
    • Starting a tutoring service or consulting business.
    • Selling niche products and educating customers about their benefits.
    • Writing, which can include freelance articles, storytelling, or even creating digital content for businesses. Aspiring writers should explore opportunities available through the Activate Network, which provides a platform to share their work, hone their skills, and connect with a wider audience
  1. Salespeople
    Salespeople have a natural gift for persuasion and communication. If you’re confident, charismatic, and good at convincing others, you might be a Salesperson. Potential small business ideas for Salespeople include:

    • Selling handmade products at local markets or online.
    • Becoming a brand ambassador or affiliate marketer.
    • Starting a mobile or pop-up shop that offers personalized customer service.
  1. Connectors
    Connectors are people who excel at building relationships and bringing others together. If you’re sociable and have a wide network, you might be a Connector. Business ideas for Connectors include:

    • Event planning, from organizing small gatherings to larger community events.
    • Starting a business that connects people to services, like matchmaking tutors to students.
    • Running social media pages for local businesses to boost their visibility.
  • Bridging programs to address academic gaps
  • Community-based learning and volunteering opportunities to build skills
  • Community-based learning and volunteering opportunities to build skills

Volunteering and community-based learning are excellent ways to gain experience, grow as a person, and make a difference in the world. By giving your time and energy to help others, you also build skills that can prepare you for future careers, whether in corporate environments, entrepreneurship, or further studies. Volunteering has had a key role in my own personal and professional development.

Active Citizenship: Making a Difference

Active citizenship means playing your part in improving your community. It’s about identifying a cause you care about—like improving education, protecting the environment, or supporting local businesses—and committing to it. Through volunteering, you contribute to solving real-world challenges while learning important skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Connect to Global Goals

When you volunteer or engage in community-based projects, you’re also supporting global efforts to create a better world. These efforts focus on improving education, reducing poverty, promoting equality, and building sustainable communities. By aligning your work with these goals, you become part of something much bigger, with a meaningful impact on society.

Experience That Prepares You for the Future

Volunteering not only allows individuals to give back to their communities but also provides a solid foundation for the professional world. It helps learners and young adults develop crucial skills such as time management, teamwork, and handling responsibilities—all of which are highly valued by employers.

In today’s job market, many corporate roles require both academic qualifications and practical experience. This has created a challenge for many young people: even if they excel academically, they may still struggle to secure opportunities due to a lack of hands-on experience. Employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who not only understand theory but can also apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

This is why balancing academics with gaining practical experience is so important. By volunteering or participating in community projects while studying, you build a resume that demonstrates both your academic achievements and your ability to handle real-world tasks. This balance gives you an edge, making you more competitive in both the job market and when applying for higher education opportunities.

Volunteering, therefore, isn’t just about giving back—it’s an investment in your future. It equips you with the experience and confidence needed to meet the demands of corporate environments while complementing your academic success.

Conclusion: Shaping a Future of Opportunities

The journey after matric is one of the most critical phases in a young person’s life. Whether you’re a learner, parent, or current student, we must work together to explore and create better opportunities for the next generation. By understanding the challenges, such as financial barriers, lack of guidance, and limited resources, and by embracing solutions like entrepreneurship, volunteering, and bridging programs, we can help our youth carve a path toward success.

For those who may not have passed matric, know that this is not the end of the road. There are many pathways available, from rewriting matric to pursuing vocational training, online courses, or learning a trade. You are not alone, and support systems exist to help you rebuild and move forward.

Mentorship plays a vital role in this process. Having someone to guide, inspire, and provide advice can help learners and young adults navigate their career paths with confidence. There is a number of great online mentors one can follow.

Additionally, the rise of free online resources such as YouTube tutorials and free courses offers accessible ways to upskill and stay relevant in today’s evolving job market. These tools empower you to learn at your own pace and build the skills needed for your chosen career.

Equally important is building a strong digital profile. In a world where employers and institutions increasingly turn to online platforms for recruitment and networking, having a well-curated LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or personal website can set you apart and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach.

This is a time for unity and action. Let’s encourage our learners to dream big, equip them with the tools to succeed, and guide them toward becoming active contributors to their communities and the broader economy. Together, we can turn the crossroads after matric into a gateway for lifelong growth, resilience, and achievement.

Learning without application is incomplete.

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About the author:

Busiswa Lutshaba is a sustainable development goals enthusiast with a keen interest in quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and job creation. She is a well-versed member of the ACTIVATE! Change Drivers writers hub and runs a consultancy business helping small to medium-sized businesses with intergrated business support services for their business growth, expansion and sustainability solutions. 

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