DHET Takes Matric Support Programme to Western Cape Schools

Officials say many learners complete Grade 12 without adequate information about available opportunities in the PSET sector, often limiting their access to education and training options.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe will lead a Matric Support Programme in the Cape Winelands District this week, aimed at helping Grade 12 learners navigate opportunities in higher education and training after completing school.

The initiative, organised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), seeks to bridge the gap between Basic Education and the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector by providing matric learners with critical information about study pathways, funding options and career opportunities.

Programme Expands to Western Cape

Dr Gondwe will visit Vusisizwe High School on Monday and Zwelethemba High School on Tuesday, where she will engage directly with matric learners on available opportunities in universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and other post-school institutions.

According to the department, the Western Cape programme follows successful Matric Support Programme visits in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, marking its first engagement in the Western Cape province.

Helping Learners Navigate Post-School Opportunities

The programme is designed to ensure that matriculants are better prepared to transition into higher education and training by providing guidance on:

• University and TVET college study opportunities

• Skills development programmes

• Career pathways in high-demand sectors

• Funding opportunities for tertiary education

Officials say many learners complete Grade 12 without adequate information about available opportunities in the PSET sector, often limiting their access to education and training options.

The initiative therefore aims to equip learners with early information and support to help them make informed career and study decisions.

Partnership with Key Education and Skills Institutions

The visit to the Cape Winelands schools is being conducted in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department, alongside several organisations involved in education funding, skills development and career guidance.

Partners participating in the programme include:

• Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA)

• FP&M SETA

• Khetha – Career Development Services

• National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

• National Skills Fund (NSF)

• Old Mutual

Representatives from these organisations will provide learners with information about training opportunities, bursaries, student funding and career development programmes.

Supporting Youth Access to Higher Education

Through the Matric Support Programme, the department aims to ensure that more learners—particularly those from underserved communities—are able to access higher education, training and financial support.

By bringing together government agencies, funding bodies and industry partners, the programme seeks to strengthen awareness about education pathways, skills development initiatives and financial aid opportunities available to young South Africans.