Theme: Adult education and training
Responsible: DHET / DBE / SAQA
Medium. Low political priority relative to universities and NSFAS. Articulation framework improvements have high ROI at low fiscal cost.
South Africa's Community Education and Training (CET) colleges provide second-chance education for an estimated 3.5 million adults without matric, but enrolments remain under 300,000—far below potential demand. The Second Chance Matric Programme (2017) offers supplementary exams and distance learning for those who failed. The PSET White Paper (2013) envisioned CET as the foundation of a mass adult education system; implementation has been partial. Both programmes are severely underfunded: CET colleges lack infrastructure, qualified educators, and curriculum links to TVET progression pathways. Parliamentary BRRRs noted the absence of articulation between CET, TVET, and university programmes means second-chance learners face dead-end qualifications. Reform requires CET Act amendment, funding model revision, and SAQA articulation framework updates.
Referenced in OECD Economic Surveys: South Africa
OECD SA Survey (2017, 2020, 2025). Education quality improvement is a recurring OECD recommendation across all surveys.
National Reading and Literacy Crisis Response Programme
TVET College Quality and Industry Relevance — Artisan Pipeline
Primary Healthcare Platform Strengthening and CHW Integration
STEM Teacher Development and Retention Programme
Critical Skills List Update and Visa Fast-Track
How to cite
Wilse-Samson, L. (2026). Post-School Education Pathways — CET and Second-Chance Programme. SA Policy Space. NYU Wagner School of Public Policy. Retrieved 11 May 2026, from https://sa-policy-space.vercel.app/ideas/post-school-education-pathways-cet-and-second-chance-programme?snapshot=2026-05-11
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