Matric, the culmination of a 12-year educational journey, is often filled with challenges, both academic and personal.
For young people, it coincides with the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, a time of self-discovery amid mounting academic pressure.
Balancing the demands of the final grade of the further education and training (FET) phase with personal growth and relationships can feel overwhelming. Yet, former learners from Alexandra who have navigated this path successfully offer encouragement and advice to the Class of 2026.
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Makgotso Mpe, who completed her matric and later chose to upgrade her mathematics results, emphasised that for one to succeed, they need to do what it takes. She reflected on a significant setback during her preliminary examinations, followed by an unplanned pregnancy towards the end of her schooling. While this could have affected her ambitions and dreams, she did not let it.
Instead of wallowing in shame due to the stigma that surrounds teenage pregnancy, Mpe said she did not hide her pregnancy. In fact, she chose transparency to reclaim her freedom. “I did it so I could be free. I also told myself that, just because I’m pregnant, it doesn’t mean I can’t achieve anything in life.”
As the country continues to grapple with a high rate of teenage pregnancy, with Statistics South Africa recording more than 100 000 births by mothers aged 19 and younger between January 2024 and February 2025, Mpe’s advice to teenagers in the Class of 2026 is direct. “If you fall pregnant, you should work hard to inspire your soon-to-be-born child. If you give up, how will you help your child in life?”
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She urged the Class of 2026 not to relax, noting that the more they practice consistently, the easier it becomes to recall what they have learned.
She highlighted the value of upgrading subjects for those dissatisfied with their initial results. However, she cautioned that upgrading requires strong self-discipline. Tshiamo Mohlala, a former learner at Realogile Secondary School, praised the stellar performance of the Class of 2025, and urged the next class of matriculants to work just as hard.
As somebody who has grappled with personal challenges and yearned for support, she advised learners to speak up when they have challenges of their own.
“If ever there are some things you are going through, always seek to find someone you can confide in. Do not bottle things up, always seek for help and try to focus at school. Do not use your situation as an excuse for poor performance.”
For this year’s class to perform just as well as the previous class, Mohlala emphasised that they should work hard and forget about all the distractions.
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