DBE Clarifies Stance On General Education Certificate In Parliament

Riyaz Patel

On the eve of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Matric examinations, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has again clarified, this time in Parliament, the nuances around the General Education Certificate (GEC) General Occupational Certificate (GOC) for Grade 9.

This stems from what the DBE says is the “misinterpretation” of Minister Angie Motshekga’s GCE announcement at a SADTU National Congress last month, and which sparked huge public debate around the issue.

The Department reiterated that contrary to media reports stating that “learners would finish school in Grade 9,” the DBE emphasized that GEC is not an exit certificate.