To:

The President of South Africa
The Department of Employment and Labour
The Department of Higher Education and Training
The South African Human Rights Commission
Business Leaders & Employers

End the Matric Barrier! Grant Equal Job & Education Opportunities for South African Youth Without Matric

Who is affected?
Every year, thousands of South African youth are locked out of jobs, internships, and education opportunities simply because they lack a matric certificate. Many of these young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggling schools, or households where financial hardship forced them to leave school early. Despite having talent, skills, and the drive to work, they face constant rejection due to an outdated system that values a certificate over real ability and potential.

What is at stake?
If this system does not change, we will continue to see rising youth unemployment, deepening poverty, and wasted potential. The exclusion of non-matriculants from jobs and educational programs denies them a fair chance at success while also hurting businesses that could benefit from their skills. If we remove matric-only barriers and create more alternative learning and employment pathways, South Africa’s economy will grow, communities will prosper, and young people will finally have the chance they deserve.

Why is now the time to act?
With youth unemployment at crisis levels, we cannot afford to delay. The world is shifting towards skills-based hiring, and South Africa must keep up. Other countries have already implemented Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs and vocational training models that prioritize skills over formal certificates—it’s time for our government and businesses to do the same!

🔴 We demand immediate action to:
✅ End Matric-Only Barriers in Job Listings for roles that do not require formal schooling.
✅ Grant Equal Access to Internships, Learnerships, & Training Programs based on skills, not just certificates.
✅ Expand Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programs so youth without matric can gain industry-recognized qualifications.
✅ Create More Alternative Education & Vocational Pathways that lead to employment.

📢 Sign this petition NOW to demand a fairer system where skills and hard work matter more than a certificate! Together, we can break down these barriers and create real opportunities for ALL young South Africans.