What are the implications of the designated list of recognised subjects being revoked

In 2018 Department of Higher Education revoked the designated list of subjects for NSC thus providing all the 20 credit-bearing subjects equal status. The revocation would not apply retrospectively.

This move is deemed to be significant considering its huge implication on students such as-

The move is slated to affect subject choices of Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners who would face the FET phase later during the year. This would also mean a tough time for learners and their potential advisors since they would find it more difficult to plan an appropriate strategy for gaining entry to degree studies. The number of learners qualifying for degree studies is expected to increase. The removal of the designated list would also lead to the inclusion of other subjects for learners like Computer design etc.

There would be possibly an outcry among students regarding the standards but that is far from true. The learners must be content that the standards have not been tweaked and are for the benefit of learners.