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By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Government has extended its best wishes to the Class of 2025 matriculants as they begin their final examinations, urging them to write with confidence, pride, and determination to succeed.
“This period marks the culmination of 13 years of learning, commitment, and perseverance. Learners are encouraged to approach the examinations with focus, confidence, and determination. Your hard work represents not only personal achievement but also a vital contribution to the development and progress of our country,” government said in a statement.
“Government further appeals to parents and guardians to provide the necessary support and a conducive environment for learners during this crucial time. A calm, encouraging atmosphere at home helps to reduce anxiety and allows learners to perform to the best of their ability. Families are encouraged to ensure that learners maintain healthy routines, including adequate rest, nutritious meals, light exercise, and regular study breaks to sustain concentration and overall well-being.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa also wished learners good luck, acknowledging that matric exams can be “quite challenging” but expressing faith in their ability to rise to the occasion.
“Many who have written these exams before you have always done well, and I know you will not disappoint,” said Ramaphosa.
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), on the other hand, described the exams as the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
“The ANCYL calls on all learners to approach their examination with focus, discipline, and confidence. These exams are not only the conclusion of their schooling journey, but the beginning of a new chapter of opportunity, growth, and contribution to the development of our nation,” the league said in a statement.
The Youth League also reminded learners to apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026 academic year before applications close on 15 November 2025, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to secure funding for their tertiary studies.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) noted that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams play a crucial role in benchmarking the quality of South Africa’s education system.
“The journey of the Class of 2025 has not been easy. Their learning was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, during their Grade 7 and 8 years,” SADTU said.
“We commend both learners and teachers for their resilience, hard work, and determination in overcoming these challenges and making it to this crucial stage.”
SADTU called for the examination period to proceed without disruptions and urged all education stakeholders — parents, communities, transport providers, and government — to support learners.
The union also appealed to communities to protect schools from violence and vandalism and to avoid blocking roads to schools during protests.
“To the learners, we say: remain disciplined and avoid any conduct that could jeopardise your chances of obtaining that all-important National Senior Certificate,” SADTU added.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa congratulated learners for reaching this milestone.
“It has been a long journey from Grade R to Grade 12. We congratulate them in advance, as many of their peers who started this journey did not make it this far. I thank them for their perseverance and encourage them not to give up as they are about to cross this bridge,” he said.
Hlabisa also commended educators who “sacrificed weekends and holidays” to prepare learners for success despite difficult circumstances.
The government appealed to parents and guardians to provide a calm and supportive atmosphere at home.
“Families are encouraged to ensure that learners maintain healthy routines, including adequate rest, nutritious meals, light exercise, and regular study breaks to sustain concentration and overall well-being,” it said in a statement.
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale praised educators and support staff for preparing inmates for their exams.
“Education not only empowers offenders with knowledge, but also paves the way for a second chance in life. At DCS, we remain steadfast in our belief that learning transforms lives and restores dignity,” said Thobakgale.
He said DCS schools have consistently achieved strong academic results, with 13 schools achieving a 100% pass rate in 2024, up from nine in 2023.
“To all our matriculants, both inside and outside correctional centres, you carry the hopes of your families and your communities. We believe in your potential and eagerly await celebrating your success,” he added.
ActionSA Gauteng congratulated learners for their courage and resilience.
“You have overcome challenges — from disruptions in our education system to personal hardships — and you have shown what it means to be resilient,” the party said.
ActionSA also highlighted Gauteng’s high youth unemployment rate of around 47%, urging learners to see their exams as a gateway to opportunity.
“To every matric learner — remember that this is not just the end of one chapter, but the beginning of another. Whether your path takes you to university, college, a trade, or entrepreneurship, know that you can succeed. Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your future is worth fighting for,” the party said.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi noted that the province has consistently ranked among the top three performing provinces in the NSC results, with an 88.4% pass rate in 2024, behind the Free State (91%) and KwaZulu-Natal (89.5%).
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I wish the Class of 2025 all the best in their upcoming final examinations. May your hard work and dedication throughout the year bear fruit as you prepare for these exams, which mark the culmination of your basic education,” said Lesufi.
The Afrika Mayibuye Women’s Movement emphasised education’s transformative power and called for collective moral support.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for liberation and social transformation,” it said.
The movement encouraged parents and women to dedicate 30 minutes of prayer for matriculants and to visit schools wearing movement regalia, holding placards with messages of encouragement.
“Let us give our children the moral and spiritual strength they need to overcome this final hurdle with courage and confidence,” the movement said.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) also encouraged matriculants to strive for excellence but criticised the limited access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in public schools.
“This effectively bars thousands of learners from pursuing tertiary education in high-demand fields and limits the country’s ability to build a skilled workforce,” BOSA said.
The party said it would present proposals to the National Education and Training Council (NTEC) to expand access to STEM subjects.
Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi extended his best wishes to learners writing both matric and Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) exams.
“May you remain focused and dedicated as you approach your final exam. Adult Education not only equips you with knowledge and skills but also opens pathways for further education and employment,” he said.
He confirmed that Umalusi officials have been deployed to monitor the exams and ensure compliance with regulations.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube recently visited Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, where she joined learners in signing the National Senior Certificate Pledge.
“You have overcome difficulties and uncertainties, and now you stand on the threshold of one of the most defining moments of your young lives. As you prepare to write your National Senior Certificate examinations, you will take a pledge today that commits you to approach this milestone with honour and integrity,” she told learners.
Gwarube urged them to reject cheating and dishonesty, saying such actions “harm the credibility of the entire system.”
“May you go forward with pride, and may your efforts shine as brightly as your dreams,” she said.
“I wish all matriculants the best for their final examinations. Write with confidence, honesty, and the belief that you are shaping a better South Africa and a better Africa.”
INSIDE EDUCATION