Government is introducing a new school certificate for South Africa – what you should know Subscribe The Department of Basic Education says it is currently working on the introduction of the General Education Certificate (GEC) for Grade 9 pupils. In its 2021/2022 annual performance plan, the department said that the policy framework for the introduction of the GEC has been drafted and submitted to qualifications regulator Umalusi for review and approval. It has also commissioned a blueprint for assessment options that will inform learners, teachers, parents and the system about the suitability of learners to undertake an academic, vocational or occupational track in senior secondary schools (Grades 10–12).