Registration for matric learners wishing to receive their results via cellphone has opened early this year.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), in partnership with the Department of Education, opened registration for the SABC Newsbreak matric results service at the Park Hyatt in Rosebank yesterday. This is the sixth year the SABC has been offering the service.
Learners writing matric exams can register for the service by SMSing the word "matric", followed by their ID number, to 35470, said Judi Sandison, the SABC's New Media editor.
From 1 October, learners can also register for the SMS service by calling 082 152, choosing option six, and following the voice prompts, she added.
Sandison said that last year more than a quarter of a million people accessed their results via SMS or voice. Voice access on the day of release was the most popular service, she noted.
"We expect more SMS registrations this year as we have opened registration a lot earlier at the request of the Department of Education and students. Last year, it was near the end of November when we opened the service."
Nkosi Sishi, a national chief director at the department, added that a record 750 000 learners have registered to write matric this year, which will translate into an increase in the number of students using the service.
Public service mandate
SABC group executive of news Snuki Zakalala said the service contributes to the national broadcaster's public service, adding the service also offers parents the convenience of knowing how their children did in the exams, and affects the plans for further education that learners may be making.
Sandison revealed the SABC plans to expand its academic results line and will look at how technology can be used to empower young people, rather than simply focusing on it at results time.
The SABC provides the service in partnership with Marketel, the information service provider, and Vodacom, which provides the network infrastructure. First National Bank is sponsoring the cost of return SMSes, which provide the results, explained Sandison.
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