Umalusi introduces matric certificates in Braille

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Pretoria – Visually impaired matriculants will no longer have to ask people to read their matric results for them.

This after Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, introduced Braille certificates on Tuesday.

Visually impaired matrics will now be able to read their results themselves.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi today handed over Braille certificates to visually impaired 2012 matriculants at an event held at Filadelfia Secondary School in Soshanguve.

“Much has been done to improve education, especially for the visually impaired learners. Government is working towards an inclusive education for all,” the minister said.

She said her department was aware of challenges facing educators who taught visually impaired learners.

“We are aware of capacity challenges. Government is working on resolving the issues,” she said, adding that visually impaired learners would now get more support from government.

Rakometsi said even learners who matriculated years ago can still get Braille certificates.

“This is not only for the class of 2012. Even those who matriculated before 2012 can still get their Braille certificates,” he said.

One of the recipients of the Braille certificates, Charles Klaasen, told SAnews that he was happy with the initiative.

“I am happy that I will no longer have to ask people to read my results for me. I can read them for myself,” he said.

This year's matrics are due to sit for their final exams towards the end of the month. – SAnews.gov.za