COFIMVABA- In a shocking administrative blunder 12 matriculants from Isikhoba Nombewu Technical School in Cofimvaba who triumphantly passed their final exams in 2021 are still waiting to receive their matric certificates.
Their marks were incorrectly captured by the Sector Education and Training Authority(SETA). This avoidable error has left these deserving students in limbo their future plans and aspirations hanging precariously in the balance.
The affected learners, who attended Isikhoba Nombewu Technical School were informed that their mathematics and engineering marks were incorrectly captured on the system by SETA.
Sinalo Kuse, one of the affected learners from Bolokondlela village near Cofimvaba, told GroundUp Publication on 13th November 2024 that she has been struggling to find a good job due to the lack of her matric certificate. “We live in a very small town with limited job opportunities, I’ve tried applying for jobs but prospective employers refuse to accept the letter of confirmation issued by the Department of Basic Education(DBE),”Kuse said.
Khanya Nogemame from Tsomo shared a similar experience, stating that she has lost all hope of ever getting her certificate. “I’ve been to the department offices in Cofimvaba numerous times but no one seems to be able to help me,” she said.
In addition, the Eastern Cape Department of Education(ECDoE) has attributed the delay to a shortage of staff at SETA, with only one official assisting all nine provinces.
ECDoE Spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed that the 12 learners had passed their final exams but their marks had not been captured correctly. “The problem is that there’s only one SETA official assisting all these provinces. Once the results had been captured, Umalusi would issue the certificates,” Mtima said.
Umalusi spokesperson Nthabiseng Khotlale urged the affected learners to approach the DBE for answers about their certificates. However, the learners are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress.
As the delay continues, the affected learners are being denied opportunities for further education and employment. The ECDoE must take immediate action to resolve this issue and ensure that these learners receive the recognition they deserve.
photograph: supplied
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