SA matriculants achieve record pass rate

South African matriculants are experiencing a mix of emotions as the final exam results for the class of 2024 have been published. With a record pass rate of 87.3 per cent, many students have reasons to celebrate this accomplishment. However, some may be facing anxiety over not meeting the requirements for higher education institutions, while others are grappling with the disappointment of not passing matric. To delve deeper into this topic and explore the various pathways available to South African matriculants, Devon Moonsamy, CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, joined CNBC Africa for a discussion. Moonsamy expressed satisfaction with the improved pass rate, noting the challenges posed by the impact of COVID-19 on education. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on areas needing improvement and commended the shift towards higher quality passes, especially the rise in university level passes to 47.8 per cent. Moonsamy highlighted the significance of various educational pathways beyond matric, such as FET colleges, external training providers, and higher learning institutes. He encouraged students who did not pass matric to explore alternatives and not dwell on the setback. One option he mentioned is obtaining an NQF4 qualification, which is equivalent to matric and can open doors to a range of vocational and trade careers. Moonsamy stressed the need to shift the mindset around vocational training in South Africa, where university degrees are often perceived as superior. He urged society to recognize the value of trade skills and occupational qualifications in providing employment opportunities and driving profitability in various sectors. Addressing concerns about job prospects in trades, Moonsamy highlighted the demand for skilled workers in industries like construction and emphasized the potential for entrepreneurial success in vocational fields. He advised aligning skills with career choices and developing an entrepreneurial spirit to leverage opportunities in the job market. Moonsamy also noted the growing demand for online work and highlighted the importance of innovation and adaptability in navigating evolving business landscapes. As matriculants prepare to enter the workforce, Moonsamy's insights provide valuable guidance and encouragement for exploring diverse career pathways beyond traditional academic routes.