Falling but rising: Success stories prove failing matric isn’t the end

Not overcoming the final hurdle after 12 years of being in school can be devastating, but it does not mean the end of your dreams. Having failed matric three times, AgriSETA CEO Dr Innocent Sirovha says that despite his setbacks, he was able to overcome and succeed in the agricultural and other sectors through hard work and determination.

Now a PhD graduate from the University of Pretoria, Sirovha says he grabbed the opportunity to join AgriSETA with both hands, excited to contribute to supporting many small-scale farmers all over South Africa.

“I repeated grade 12 three times. When [later in my life and career] an opportunity prevailed to join AgriSETA, it was a chance to create job opportunities for youth, particularly in agriculture, which was tempting enough,” he says.

ALSO READ: AgriSETA boss: ‘I’m just an ordinary worker with a title’

Second chances

“It does not matter how slowly you walk in life; as long as you don’t stop walking, you will finally arrive. Despite fallbacks, there is always a second chance in life. You fall and stand up. Like in a marathon, run and finish your race. Your education is your life; guard it well,” Sirovha advises.

Learners may feel disappointed, ashamed, or even hopeless and uncertain about their future. In this Health For Mzansi article, some stories stand as a reminder that failure is not the end of the road.

“I was one of the students who made my former high school not get 100% on the matric results. My disappointment was huge, and I felt like a failure,” says Puledi Motswi from Limpopo, who failed matric twice.

“I applied to a different school where I could start over again and passed my matric when I was 21. From there, I went to college to do electrical engineering N1-6. My doors started opening; I got a job, and now I’m very happy to say I’m an independent and permanently employed young lady.”

Don’t miss out: Secure your spot at Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba!

Finding a different path

Zamatungwa Makene from Gqeberha, who failed her matric in 2020, says she tried again and got a bachelor pass. She advises that giving up should not be an option, as trying again and passing is very possible.

“I was devastated after failing matric and cried a lot for the first few days. After trying again, I passed matric and am now entering my third year as a student studying towards a bachelor of commerce in logistics at Rosebank College.”

Pretoria-based educational psychologist Claudie Munyai says failing is just an opportunity for one to pause and reflect on the whole journey – what you have been through and experienced. She advices learners to regroup and then go back to the drawing board.

There is help

On that note, she further shares effective things one can do after failing matric:

Individuals can access 24-hour helplines such as the one provided by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), where they can call in and receive counseling from psychologists and counsellors for emotional support and receive tools and appropriate resources that can be helpful.
Take a step back and practice emotional exercises that help with alleviating emotional strain; exercises such as journaling help with self-expression by writing down the thoughts and feelings about what you are going through.
The practice of simple mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help you calm down and regroup so you can redirect yourself towards taking the next step in deciding what to do moving forward.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) provides information on options and alternative pathways for learners. The DBE Second Chance programme provides students with the opportunity to rewrite matric exams, which is inclusive of study materials and support in preparation for the re-exam.
Look beyond the traditional view of acceptance into a university and consider enrolling in vocational schools for vocational courses, such as TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges.
Participate in programmes offered within your community to keep busy while gaining valuable experience and skills. Such as community centres, NGOs, and youth development organisations.

“The longer you hold on by yourself, the longer it’s going to take you to reach your desired goal. Having support and guidance from individuals who understand and are capable of the skills to help you reach your goals even quicker is important. So don’t give up hope,” she advises.