Comprehensive guide offers practical tools, study strategies and career planning support for the class of 2026
Your future doesn’t start after matric, it starts now – and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
That’s the message of the Makers of the Future toolkit, launched today by Kagiso Trust to support South Africa’s 2026 matric cohort through one of the most consequential years of their lives.
The free, downloadable toolkit provides practical tools, study strategies, comprehensive information on post-matric pathways, and direct links to funding and support resources.
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of learners start matric knowing it matters but not always knowing how to manage it,” says Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust. “They face identical challenges: managing exam stress, understanding options, accessing funding. Yet we expect each learner to solve these problems individually.”
The toolkit consolidates everything they need, including:
- Monthly planning guides;
- Evidence-based study techniques;
- Exam strategies covering everything from preparation to handling panic in the exam hall;
- Stress management strategies and contacts for mental health support; and
- Detailed breakdowns of post-school options.
Study smart, not just hard
“Success in matric isn’t built through overnight cramming or 24/7 studying,” says Moitse. “It’s built through consistent, strategic effort. The toolkit shows learners how to study smart, not just hard.”
A substantial portion of the toolkit focuses on post-matric pathways, deliberately presenting technical and vocational education (TVET), universities, learnerships, direct employment, entrepreneurship and structured gap years as equally valid options depending on individual strengths and circumstances.
“There is no single ‘correct’ path after matric,” says Moitse. “TVET launches many people into successful careers. University works brilliantly for others. Some learn best through learnerships or by starting businesses. All these paths can lead to meaningful work and financial stability.”
The toolkit includes comprehensive comparisons of post-matric options, information on 99 in-demand jobs for which qualifications can be achieved within a year, success stories from different pathways, a decision-making tool, application calendars, National Student Financial Aid Scheme guidance, bursary links, and contact details for South Africa’s 50 TVET colleges.
Built for parents and educators too
While designed for learners, the toolkit is also a resource for parents, teachers and anyone supporting young people through this transition.
“Parents want to help but don’t always have current information about funding or TVET reforms,” says Moitse. “Teachers are experts in their subjects but may not know details of every pathway. This toolkit equips everyone with the information they need.”
The toolkit emphasises that success doesn’t happen overnight, drawing on the Setswana proverb “Tlogatloga e tloga kgale modiši wa dikgomo o tšwa natšo šakeng” – step by step, the cattle herder rises from the kraal.
“Success is built through consistent effort, one brick at a time,” says Moitse. “This toolkit provides the building blocks. But learners have to pick them up and use them. Nobody can build their future for them.”
Download, share, use
The Makers of the Future toolkit is available as a free download on the Kagiso Trust website: www.kagiso.co.za.
Kagiso Trust encourages schools, businesses, community organisations and individuals to download and distribute the toolkit widely.
“The difference between a learner who thrives and one who struggles often isn’t talent or potential,” says Moitse. “It’s access to the right information at the right time. We’re putting that information into as many hands as possible.”
The toolkit launch is part of Kagiso Trust’s year-long advocacy campaign promoting skills-based education and TVET pathways as critical responses to youth unemployment.
“In a country where nearly three out of five young people aged 15–24 are unemployed, guiding learners toward pathways with genuine employment outcomes isn’t just good advice – it’s an imperative,” says Moitse. “The toolkit is our contribution to igniting human capacity, one learner at a time.”
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