Have you lost or damaged your original matric certificate? If yes, there is no need to be worried, the South Africa Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Provincial Education Department (PED) have a solution for you.
According to DBE, if you misplace or get your matric certificate damaged, you can apply for a replacement certificate from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or the Provincial Education Department (PED) where you wrote your exams to get it reissued for you.
However, there are some procedures you will need to follow to accomplish this.
What You Need To Do To Get Your Matric Certificate Replacement
Obtain A Sworn Affidavit
Visit the nearest police station or a law firm and obtain an affidavit stating exactly what happened to your Matric Certificate, lost or damaged. The affidavit should include your full name, identity number, and the reasons for the replacement. You will need to take along your damaged original matric certificate or senior certificate for quick resolution. Meanwhile, it is not applicable if it was lost, you can still apply for a replacement. Remember, you will need your original identity document and a copy for the process.
Complete The Application Form
You will need to register or sign in to the DBE portal if you want download the form, fill and also submit it online along with the required documents in PDF format.
You can download the application form from the DBE (Re-Issue) website or collect it from the nearest offices. Fill out the form and attach the affidavit to it before submission attaching a certified copy of your ID document or passport.
Pay And Submit The Application
Submit your application form, affidavit, and identification documents, along with the application fee or receipt, to the DBE or PED where you wrote your exams, or you can post it with the attached documents including the postal order to Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001 and then wait.
NOTE: If you wrote your exams before 1992, you may need to apply to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for a replacement certificate.
How Long Does It Take Before Getting My Original Matric Certificate Replacement?
To get your matric replacement certificate, It takes between four to six weeks. However, you can obtain your statement of results immediately after submitting your application if your records are found on the system, esle it will take longer as records need to be retrieved from the Archives and loaded on the system.
How Much Does A Matric Replacement Certificate Cost?
The matric replacement certificate cost R153.00 while the statement of results cost an additional R55.00. These fees are valid from 01 April 2022 until 31 March 2023, you can check back for updates or refer to the DBE or PED and verify.
Can I Buy A Matric Certificate?
No, it is illegal to buy a matric certificate. They are only issued by accredited educational institutions after a student has completed the required courses and exams. Purchasing a fake or fraudulent matric certificate is not only illegal, but it can also have serious consequences.
It is important to understand that a matric certificate is not just a piece of paper, it represents a significant accomplishment and achievement. Attempting to purchase a fake certificate undermines the integrity of the educational system and devalues the hard work and effort of those who have earned their certificates through legitimate means.
If you did not complete your matric certificate for whatever reason, there are alternative routes available to gain education and training qualifications. These include enrolling in adult education programs, vocational training courses, or pursuing alternative qualifications like National Senior Certificate (NQF level 4) which is equivalent to General Educational Development (GED) in South Africa.
For further information contact the following:
National office:
Eastern Cape: 040 602 7023/24
Free State: 051 404 8260
Gauteng: 011 355 3000
KwaZulu-Natal: 031 368 1061
Limpopo: 015 290 7803/7740
Mpumalanga: 013 766 0033/97
Northern Cape: 053 839 6424
North West: 018 388 0825/26/27/55
Western Cape: 021 467 2942