OECD says Grade 9 certificate needs more study options
OECD policy analyst Rebecca Frankum said the Grade 9 General Education Certificate does not show that learners are ready to leave school. She said only about 2% of South African young people aged 15 to 19 attend a TVET college.
Frankum spoke in an interview on CapeTalk on Wednesday. She said the certificate recognises what learners have done up to that point. She said the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) wants vocational education and training to expand in South Africa.
Frankum said most OECD countries have a much greater share of young people in vocational education and training than South Africa does. She said more vocational places would need more funding, better facilities, more teachers and partnerships with employers.
The General Education Certificate began as a pilot programme in 2021. A complete rollout is expected in 2027.
Key facts
- Who
- Rebecca Frankum (OECD policy analyst); Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (international development body that urged more vocational training); Africa Melane (CapeTalk presenter who interviewed Frankum)
- What
- Speaking to CapeTalk, OECD policy analyst Rebecca Frankum said the Grade 9 certificate is not a sign that learners are ready to leave school and called for greater expansion of vocational education and training. She said only about 2% of South African young people aged 15 to 19 attend a TVET college.
- When
- 28 October 2026
- Where
- South Africa, Germany, France
- Status
- Reported