Matric results: Help is on hand if you are unhappy
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Matric 2021 results: Where to get help and what to do if you failed to pass
If you are unhappy about your matric exam results, there are many options available to help you overcome your obstacles.
Matric results: Help is on hand if you are unhappy
Image via Getty/FatCamera
Matriculants around the Mzansi are celebrating the release of their exam results. But for some, their matric performances and results are a source of great stress, depression and even thoughts of suicide
Whatever the circumstances, students who are unhappy about their matric performances are encouraged to seek help and remain positive.
DEALING WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), reports that 9.5% of teen deaths in South Africa are caused by suicide. One of the triggers has been attributed to matric exam disappointment.
“There are children who have undiagnosed depression or who undergo a trauma or an experience that makes them more vulnerable, and this can be the final stress that causes them to commit suicide or use drugs,” says SADAG’s Dessy Tzoneva.
SADAG urges learners to seek help if they are experiencing signs of depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide. The national organisation runs a counselling helpline that is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. Learners or concerned parents and teachers can contact a SADAG counsellor toll-free on 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 31393.
Tzoneva adds: “If you did not perform as well in your exams as you had expected, do not give up…Talk about how you’re feeling”.
REWRITE YOUR MATRIC PAPERS
If you’re unhappy with your matric exam results and know that you can perform better in certain subjects, there is an option for you to have a do-over.
The department of basic education offers learners a second chance to rewrite their papers, and possibly improve their results.
The Second Chance Matric Programme provides support to learners who want to rewrite subjects. It helps them to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate.
Face to face classes are available at locations around the country, as well as online programmes and television and radio broadcasts. For more information, click here.
A number of private higher education bodies also offer matric rewrites through their institutions.
Alternatively you can request for your matric exam papers to be remarked. Candidates who wish to apply must register on the government portal.
With all the options mentioned above, please take into account the deadlines that need to be met as a prerequisite for rewrite or remark of matric exam papers
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE FAILED MATRIC
If you find yourself in a position of having to redo your entire matric year, there are options at your disposal.
Go back to school. Speak to your school counselor or principal about returning to repeat your year.
Alternatively, register for a Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) course. This gives you a Matric Equivalent qualification, which is a certificate in a specialised stream of learning that is on the same NQF level as a matric certificate.
Any accredited course that is considered an NQF level 4, is on the same NQF level as a matric certificate.
You can also register for an adult matric course, which gives you the equivalent qualification as a senior certificate. For this option you need to be over the age of 21 and have a grade 9 certificate.
A third option is to continue studying by registering for a course that does not require a matric pass. There are wide spectrum of courses to study if you are over the age of 16, can read and write in English, and you have a Grade 10 or Grade 11 certificate.
ALSO READ: Matric results: ‘Don’t despair,’ Motshekga consoles pupils who FAILED
HELPLINES ON HAND
If you wish to speak to a professional, please make use of the below contact information.
Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline offers emotional support to people in South Africa who are in distress or at risk of suicide.
Tel: 0800 70 80 90
ChaiFM Helpline
The ChaiFM Helpline offers a 24-hour helpline for people facing emotional distress and personal difficulties throughout South Africa. They also offer a referral service in instances where further intervention or face-to-face help may is required.
Tel: 0800 24 24 36
ChildLine
Enables children to discuss difficulties that would be far too risky in face-to-face contacts 24 hours a day.
Tel: 0800 055 555
Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline
Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline offers free counselling support to people in South Africa who are in distress or at risk of suicide.
Tel: 0800 456 789
Dr Reddy’s Help Line
Dr Reddy’s Help Line offers emotional support to people in South Africa who are in distress or at risk of suicide.
Tel: 0800 21 22 23
Lifeline South Africa
Lifeline South Africa offers 24-hour service to people in South Africa to address the psychological and social stresses and trauma that they are struggling to deal with.
Tel: 0861 322 322
SADAG Suicide Prevention Line
South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s Suicide Prevention Line offers 24-hour support to people in South Africa who are at risk of suicide.
Tel: 0800 567 567
South Africa Suicide Crisis Helpline
South Africa Suicide Crisis Helpline offers 24-hour support to people in South Africa who are in distress or at risk of suicide.
Tel: 0800 21 22 23
Tel: 0800 12 13 14
Tears Foundation
Tears Foundation provides assistance nationwide with a 24 hour free SMS service to anyone who is a victim of rape and sexual abuse in South Africa.
Tel: 1347355# / 010 590 5920
Email: info@tears.co.za
