MIE
Tuesday, 23 February 2021
Writing matric exams is challenging for most
students as it is the culmination of their secondary education journey.
However, writing these exams during the global COVID-19 pandemic, after a year
of adapting to numerous pressures during the academic year, was an even tougher
challenge for the matric class of 2020.
“In light of these challenges, it is not
surprising that the pass rate has dropped to 76.2%, compared to 81.3% in 2019,”
says Michelle Baron-Williamson, Chief Transformation Officer of Managed
Integrity Evaluation (MIE). “South Africa’s youth is resilient, however, and I
am hopeful that as students embark on their studies this year – more accustomed
to a new way of learning – we will see the matric pass rate rise again in
2021.”
A tough economic outlook
Thousands of matrics who now hold a pass
certificate are either seeking to further their studies through tertiary
education, or to enter the job market with their freshly printed certificates
in hand. “Regardless of the path these students decide to follow this year,
there is no doubt that they face a tough road ahead,” says Baron-Williamson.
“Those who decide to enroll at tertiary education institutions will be dealing
with continued remote learning, strained educational resources and uncertainty
around how the pandemic will affect their studies in the future.”
For those entering the job market, tough
economic conditions await. “The World Bank estimates that the South African
economy contracted by a steep 7.8% last year, and although it is expected to grow
by 3.3% this year, a return to pre-2020 economic activity could take up to five
years,” explains Baron-Williamson.
There are numerous factors that will influence
the prospects of those looking for gainful employment, particularly the rising
unemployment rate, which has now reached almost 40%. While reduced lockdown
restrictions have eased the pressure on certain industries somewhat, the job
market in these industries will take some time to recover,” says
Baron-Williamson. “
Certain jobs, however, are still in demand. Professionals
in the engineering, accounting, human resources, supply chain and technology
fields remain in demand. The CareerJunction Index released in December 2020 has
highlighted the increased demand for these professionals, emphasising the fact
that while a matric certificate is a critical educational milestone, obtaining
a tertiary qualification will be what sets South Africa’s future workforce
apart from those struggling to find employment.
“This places additional pressure on
matriculants, as funding for tertiary studies is becoming increasingly
difficult to come by, and the knock-on effect of fewer students enrolling for
tertiary education means that the juxtaposition of the country’s skills gap
versus its high levels of unemployment will become even more pronounced,” says
Baron-Williamson.
Background screening is critical
When faced with such extreme challenges, jobseekers
often turn to ill-advised methods to secure employment. From fabricating or misrepresenting
skills and experience to outright qualifications fraud, there are many risks
for businesses who are hiring new talent. These risks must be mitigated if
businesses are to ensure their sustainability during tough economic times.
“MIE’s annual Background Screening Index has
shown year after year that qualifications are the most commonly misrepresented
aspect of an applicant’s CV,” notes Baron-Williamson. “When companies fail to
perform adequate background screening on potential employees, they place their
organisations at significant risk, from both an operational and reputational
perspective.”
Ensuring sustainability
Last year’s hard lockdown forced most companies
to adopt new ways of working, in most cases overnight. “South African
businesses showed incredible resilience, adapting to flexible work schedules,
implementing remote working and finding workarounds for unique operational
requirements,” says Baron-Williamson. “These same organisations now need to put
that newly-learned flexibility to work in finding creative ways to open the job
market where traditional barriers previously existed. Initiatives such as school-leaver
work experience programmes, on-the-job training and job shadowing must become
part of the new normal if a credible workforce is to be created and
maintained.”
Baron-Williamson concludes with words of
encouragement for the matrics of 2020: “While there may be less opportunities
for either further study or entrance into the workforce, there are still
companies who are hiring, and organisations offering bursaries and study
assistance. Our matrics should be proud of their achievements during a
difficult year, and use the lessons learned through these challenges to find
innovative ways to reach their goals and further their careers.”
