More learners will write the matric exams this year than any other year in SA’s history.
For every matric class the final exams are a major hurdle. For the matric class of 2020 the pressure is greater than ever.
Since matric exams are set more than a year in advance, it has not been possible to trim the curriculum or tailor the exams to reflect the massive loss of teaching days brought about by Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns. The matrics will write the set exams, but with so much less preparation.
The lucky few have had access to their teachers via the internet, and online resources. For the majority of matric learners online learning has not been an option, or has been very limited. Only one in 10 households have access to connectivity, severely limiting access to digital learning for most of the matric learners.
Many households lack WiFi, but almost every household in the country has a TV. In light of this, a project was set up in August 2020 to deliver educational support to the matric class of 2020 through an extensive series of broadcast lessons on TV.
WOZA Matrics 2020 Catch Up is a unique collaboration among the broadcasters SABC, MultiChoice and eMedia Investments. It aims to deliver a substantive support programme for matric learners in 10 subjects.
According to Khalik Sherrif, eMedia Investments CEO, the partners are pleased the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Channel 122 on OpenView, will be enhanced by the content that will be factored in by WOZA Matrics 2020 Catch Up.
Minister of Education Angie Motshekga says the initiative has come at the right time. “Matric is always stressful, but 2020 has been filled with most unusual stresses. There are a few weeks left before the end of the year, and WOZA Matrics will continue to give learners the support they need to prepare for the final exams.”
The 14-week Woza Matrics broadcast education campaign started on Thursday 1 September and will run until Tuesday 8 December. It is broadcast every day on SABC 3 from 08:00 to 10:00 and from 13:00 to 15:00, with repeats on OpenView 122 later on in the day and on DStv Catch Up (all packages).
