The DBE is working on formalising Grade 9 as one of the exit points of schooling, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said during her address at the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union congress at the Nasrec Expo Centre on 26 September 2019.

Motshekga explained that they are, ‘Dealing decisively with the quality and efficiency through the implementation of standardised assessments to reduce failure, repetition, and drop-out rates.’ They are ‘also working on the introduction of multiple qualifications such as the General Education Certificate before the Grade 12 exit qualification. The National Development Plan (NDP) aims for a “world-class assessment system” involving reliable measures of learning for every primary school.’

‘Assessment and examination modalities for the General Education Certificate are being investigated and have been presented at the head of education committee meeting,’ she added. ‘The field trial for the General Education Certificate at the end of Grade 9 is scheduled for completion at the end of July 2020.’ This certification would include technical occupational subjects which have been packaged and submitted to Umalusi for approval.

After a lot of criticism from the public and other sectors the DBE said people should not see the new Grade 9 certificate as a way for learners to leave school. It should be seen as a way to one of three streams – academic, technical vocational and technical/occupational.

The DBE also introduced two new subjects – technical mathematics and technical science or applied mathematics/applied science.

The Grade 9 Certificate would ease the pathways between schools and colleges at a level below Grade 12.