The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has released a notice regarding the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, encouraging Grade 12 learners to prepare thoroughly.

According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the NSC examinations will commence on October 21 and conclude on November 27.

He added that during 2024, the Gauteng Grade 12 pass rate was 88.41%, showing a 3% improvement from 2023. The Gauteng Class of 2024 achieved a 52.3% bachelor’s pass rate, leading to almost 70 000 bachelor’s passes. Not only was this the highest number of bachelor passes since 1996, but it also placed Gauteng second overall in the country.

Mabona noted further that the Johannesburg West District’s Class of 2024 achieved a matric pass rate of 97%, making it the top-performing district in South Africa.

He also indicated that almost 200 000 candidates have registered to write the exams in Gauteng, with nearly 150 000 writing full-time and about 50 000 part-time. More than 1 000 centres are registered to conduct the examinations. These centres have been deemed compliant, and invigilators will be deployed closer to the time.

“We analysed the Class of 2025’s term results and noted that they are on par with last year’s achievements. The GDE remains hopeful that this year’s class will continue the upward trajectory toward a 90% achievement rate,” he added.

According to Mabona, throughout the year, the department has encouraged candidates to participate in live lesson broadcasts, the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP), and High Flyer interventions to assist with exam preparation.

Candidates were also provided with digital resources to support their studies and will continue receiving support throughout the examination period through the Just-in-Time programme.

“To prevent cheating and paper leaks, the department has implemented strict security measures. These include appointing new service providers, deploying additional chief invigilators and monitors, and requiring candidates to sign a pledge before writing to confirm their commitment to the Code of Conduct,” Mabona said.

Mabona also provided tips for parents and guardians to support candidates during the examination period:

• Limit activities that may affect the candidate’s ability to perform
• Provide a quiet environment suitable for studying
• Avoid assigning chores that take hours to complete
• Do not block access routes to schools or school gates

To help learners prepare, the GDE shared the following general advice:

• Arrive at the examination centre at least an hour before the start time
• Comply with all scanning and screening procedures, as failure to do so may result in being denied entry to the examination room
• Empty pockets and hand over any electronic devices before proceedings begin
• Disconnect from social media for the duration of the examination period

Mabona emphasised the importance of good behaviour in the exam room, warning that any misconduct could have severe consequences.

“Offences such as disrupting the exam room, cheating, or possessing digital devices (e.g., smartphones or smartwatches) can result in invalid examination results, a ban of up to three examination cycles, and delays in receiving the matric qualification,” he said.

Additionally, the GDE made the following announcements regarding Life Orientation (LO) and Computer Applications Technology (CAT):

• LO is a compulsory subject for the NSC qualification
• The LO/ CAT rewrite for the 2025 NSC examinations will take place on October 14 (which was written in September already)
• Learners who missed the September 2025 LO/ CAT exam with valid proof must attend the rewrite on October 14
• Learners who miss the LO/ CAT exam this year can only complete it in September 2026, delaying their NSC certification by one year

“Good luck to the Class of 2025 – our thoughts and prayers are with you as you undertake your final school examinations toward a matric qualification. The results you achieve in these examinations will determine your future,” Mabona concluded.