Life after matric: uncovering the hidden challenges faced by South African students
For many South African students, matric results are seen as a pivotal moment that determines the trajectory of their future. However, the journey after matric often reveals that life is far more complex than grades on a piece of paper.
Transitioning from school to adulthood can be exciting but it can also be overwhelming and filled with unexpected lessons and challenges.
Cassiday Rangata-Jacobs, a former teacher turned politician, shared his experiences with Independent Media Lifestyle to shed light on the realities of life after matric.
His story is a testament to the fact that the road to success is rarely linear.
Rangata-Jacobs’s early years were shaped by his grandparents and he was the first in his family to attend university. Like many students, he entered the University of the Western Cape (UWC) with high hopes.
However, the newfound freedom of university life quickly became a double-edged sword.
"I was so excited to be independent," he shared. "We were doing our own grocery shopping and cooking our own food. It was amazing. But I struggled with time management. My friends went to class in the morning, but I stayed in bed until 2 or 3 in the afternoon."
The lack of structure in university life proved challenging. By the end of his first year, Rangata-Jacobs hadn’t qualified to write his exams, passing only two modules.
"I didn’t know how to handle it at the time," he admitted. "I didn’t meet the requirements when it was time for exams.“
Rather than repeating his first year, he chose to start over with a nursing bursary as his family couldn’t afford university fees.
While nursing provided financial stability, it wasn’t his passion.
"The first year of nursing was okay but the second year was horrible. It wasn’t for me," he explained.
Rangata-Jacobs acknowledged that school hadn’t prepared him for the realities of adulthood.
"Every year you waste is a salary you’ll never get back," he said. "I became a teacher at 26 but I should have started at 21. That’s five years of salary and pension I’ll never get back."
This realisation is an important reminder for students and young adults to make the most of their time, even when faced with setbacks.
"At the time, you don’t think about it but, now as an adult, I realise how much I lost," he added.
Despite the challenges, he believes his difficult journey was necessary for his personal growth.
"What would the alternative have been? I could have graduated at 21, become a teacher, and stayed in the same school for 20 years. But because my journey was so challenging, I had to adapt," he said.
His work experiences, including being a pizza store manager, shaped him into the person he is today.
Rangata-Jacob’s advice to young people is simple yet profound: "Don’t waste time because it really flies by."
The mental health impact of transitioning to adulthood
The transition from school to adulthood isn’t just about academics or careers, it also has a significant effect on mental health.
Ruvé Esterhuysen, a clinical psychologist from Life Poortview, explained that this period can be stressful and emotionally taxing.
"Modern life is stressful and we all need support," she said.
"There should be no stigma around asking for help. Reaching out to family, friends or professionals is a responsible way to deal with stress."
Esterhuysen noted that many young adults struggle with the lack of structure after high school.
"In school, your day is planned out for you with classes, extracurriculars, and set times for tests. But in adulthood, you’re promised freedom and independence and that can be a bit naive.
“It’s not all about freedom; it comes with a huge responsibility to make sure you succeed."
Esterhuysen highlighted the fact that the education system often focuses too heavily on academics, leaving students unprepared for the broader challenges of life.
"In school, the focus is mostly on academics," she said. "Teachers, parents and the community drill it into students that their future depends on their marks.
“This can give the message that academics are the only thing that matters but it doesn’t prepare students for the reality that life requires balance."
It can also be a trying time for parents whose child has failed matric. Despite the setback, it is vital for parents and care giver’s to provide support to their children who have not passed Grade 12.
They should encourage them to speak to mental health experts. Parents who are also struggling with their children failing matric are also encouraged to reach out for help.
What to do if you failed matric: A guide to moving forward
Failing matric can feel like the end of the world but it’s important to remember that it’s not. Life doesn’t stop here and neither do your chances to succeed.
Many people have faced this hurdle and gone on to achieve incredible things. It’s okay to feel disappointed but don’t let the disappointment define you.
Step 1: Explore your options
The South African Government offers three main paths if you didn’t pass matric. Let’s take a closer look:
Request a remark
If you strongly believe your results don’t reflect your effort or performance, you can apply for a remark on your exam papers.
But keep in mind that this process can be costly and the results may or may not change. This option is worth considering if you’re confident that your marks should have been higher.
Supplementary exams
If you failed fewer than three subjects, you can register to write supplementary exams. The good news is that this option is free.
You’ll need to prepare on your own and rewrite the subjects on dates set by the Department of Education. This can be a great way to focus on specific problem areas and improve your results without starting the year over.
Repeat the year
While repeating the year might feel discouraging, it can be an opportunity to identify what went wrong and approach your studies with a fresh mindset.
Many students who repeat matric perform much better the second time around because they’re more prepared and know what to expect.
Remember, failing matric doesn’t define your abilities or potential. These options are there to help you pick yourself up and keep going.
Step 2: Consider getting a job
If you’re not ready to repeat matric or need to take a break from studying, getting a job can be a great way to move forward. While finding work without matric can be challenging, it’s not impossible.
Entry-level positions with on-the-job training are a great starting point.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Reach out to small businesses in your area and let them know you’re looking for work. Don’t be afraid to ask family, friends and neighbours for leads or recommendations. Networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Highlight your skills
Even without matric, you have skills that can be valuable. Are you good with people? Do you enjoy working with your hands? Can you handle basic computer tasks? Focus on what you’re good at and communicate your enthusiasm to learn and grow.
Keep an open mind
Entry-level jobs may not be glamorous but they are stepping stones. Whether it’s working in retail, assisting in an office or helping out at a local business, these jobs can teach you valuable skills and give you experience that will benefit you in the long run.
Step 3: Use a job to fund your studies
One of the biggest advantages of getting a job is earning a regular income. With that income, you can explore part-time study options to further your education.
Repeat matric through distance learning
This flexible option lets you study at your own pace and fit your studies around your job.
Consider SETA qualifications
Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) programs offer qualifications in various fields, and many don’t require matric. These programs are designed to provide practical skills and open doors to careers in trades, hospitality, and more.
Explore alternate courses
When I was unable to find a job after graduation, I enrolled in Google short courses (Google Digital Skills for Africa). Many of them are free and affordable online courses.
I have taken to teaching skills like graphic design, coding and social media marketing. These skills are highly sought after by employers and can help you stand out.
Fields like photography, hairdressing, performing arts, beauty therapy, and digital technology have entry-level courses that focus on hands-on training. If you’re passionate about something, there’s likely a way to pursue it.
Step 4: Build your skills
Even while you’re figuring out your next steps, there are small but impactful things you can do to increase your opportunities:
Get your driver’s licence
A driver’s licence is a valuable asset, even if you don’t own a car. It opens up job opportunities, particularly for driving positions and it shows potential employers that you’re proactive.
Volunteer
If finding a job right away feels difficult, consider volunteering. It’s a great way to gain experience, build your confidence and make connections that could lead to paid employment.
Failing matric can feel like a setback but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define your future. Many successful people have faced failure and used it as a stepping stone to greatness. What matters most is how you respond to the challenge.
If you need help, contact:
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 080 012 1314. Visit their website at: https://www.sadag.org/ for more information as well as for SMS and call back options.
LifeLine South Africa on 0800 012 322 or 0861 322 322. You can also visit their website: https://lifelinesa.co.za/