Cape Town matriculants nervous but excited about start of NSC exams

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams are set to officially begin at 9AM.
 
That means that soon, more than 470 exam centres across the Western Cape, will start filling up.
 
First up on Tuesday morning is the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Practical exam.
 
Speaking to a number of Cape Town matriculants, excitement and nervousness seemed to be the most common feelings.
 
"It's exciting to finally reach this point after so many years of hard work," one matriculant said.

"There is a nervous part of it but I'm also quite excited," another said.

"I'm excited to write, I'm excited to get it done," another pupil added.
 
Grade 12 learner at JG Meiring High School, Nayam Naidoo, said he's put in the work to prepare for his finals.
 
"With the NSC exams, I feel there's a lot of expectations of me, but I feel calm about it because I have studied for it and the prelims prepared me well for the NSC exams."
 
Rustenberg Girls High matriculant, Ameera Allie, said she's been preparing for this moment for a long time.

"I'm ready to write these exams, I'm ready to get it done with, I'm ready to close this chapter of my life. I've been preparing my whole high school career up until this point, and now that I'm here, I'm excited to write, I'm excited to get it done."

'SUPPORT OUR MATRICS'

The Western Cape Education Department has stressed the importance of rallying behind matriculants.

More than 77,442 candidates are taking part in the exams in this province this year.

One hundred and twelve exam papers will be written by the time the exams end on 26 November, with the marking of scripts scheduled to begin at the start of December.

Education MEC David Maynier: "We appeal to everyone in the Western Cape to support our matrics and to avoid any disruptions at or near schools during this crucial period. We need to put the interests of our children first, and to not do anything to compromise their ability to achieve their goals."

EDUCATION THE CORNERSTONE OF REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION

Meanwhile, 189 inmates across various correctional centres will sit for their final exams this year.

National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale has applauded the educators and support staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare the inmates.

Hesaid that education not only empowered offenders with knowledge but also paved the way for a second chance in life.

The department's Singabakho Nxumalo: "Formal education continues to be a cornerstone of rehabilitation and reintegration within the correctional system. Through its partnership with the Department of Basic Education, DCS has consistently achieved impressive academic results, often surpassing national averages."

Nxumalo said that in 2024, 13 DCS schools achieved a 100% pass rate, an increase from nine schools the previous year.