Tips to deal with stress: Gauteng Education Dept hopes 2024 matrics will raise the bar

The wait is almost over for the Class of 2024 as the Department of Education is gearing up to release the matric results, with a national announcement scheduled for Monday, January 13, and provincial releases following on Tuesday, January 14.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said he hopes to see an improvement in the Class of 2024 matric results.

He said the Class of 2023 achieved a pass rate of 85.4% which was a 0.95% improvement on the 84.4% achievement in 2022.

Mabona confirmed that the 2024 matric results will be released nationally on Monday and provincially on Tuesday.

Matriculants are advised to visit results.gauteng.gov.za and simply enter their examination number to view results instantly when they are released.

He highlighted that candidates have until January 25 to apply for a re-mark or re-check of their results at their respective district office or online on www.eservices.gov.za.

“A support is provided to all matriculants that did not do well in their exams through a Second Chance Programme.”

He added that in facilitating the 2024 NSC exams, Gauteng had only experienced isolated incidents including imposters, learners carrying crib notes or cell phones, but none compromised the overall integrity and credibility of the exams.

“Exam materials were securely distributed daily with minimal shortages.

“However, issues were resolved promptly, and all examination centres were well managed by resident chief invigilators and monitors.”

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) operations director Cassey Chambers said matriculants are bound to feel anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed during this time.

She said even top achievers could be very nervous around this time.

“They are getting pressure from the community, family, and friends, and they do not want to let down those close to them,” Chambers said.

Though these feelings may be normal upon the publication of matric results, Chambers urged that if these feelings persist for more than two weeks, matriculants should seek professional help.

🎓 Gauteng Matric Class of 2024! Your official Statement of Results will be available for collection starting 14 January 2025 at:
➡️ District Offices
➡️ Schools
➡️ Exam Centres

✍️ Re-mark and Re-check applications open from 14 January to 25 January 2025.

🔗 Visit… pic.twitter.com/FCAYEOKHxB

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) January 8, 2025

Chambers gave matriculants the following tips to deal with matric result related stress:

– Keep busy and active with different activities and create a daily routine.

– This will help not to get stuck in that depressing and anxiety feeling.

– Have someone to talk to when feeling stressed or anxious.

– If you do not have anyone to talk to, you can call SADAG at 011 234 4837 or 0800 20 50 26 24-hour toll-free emergency helpline or Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567.

Chambers also encouraged family and friends to provide support to matriculants.

“Parents and friends should reassure them and tell them they also went through the same thing,” Chambers said.

“They should share with them how they got through during their time.”

#GrowingGautengTogether #MatricResults2024 #mentalhealthsupport
While you wait for your results , keep in mind that your identity and value go well beyond this particular time. You should be really proud of yourself for working so hard to achieve this milestone.#AsibeHealthyGP pic.twitter.com/HJZ0dNVW8T

— Social DevelopmentGP (@gpgSocDev) January 6, 2025

As matric learners wait for the release of their matric results, parents are urged to provide support and a safe space for their children.

Keep an eye out for your children’s mood and look out for signs of depression or suicide before harm is done.#takecharge pic.twitter.com/D6T0BMq34a

— GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) January 7, 2025

Matriculants are advised to visit results.gauteng.gov.za and enter their examination number to view results instantly when they are released. The education department has also been given the go-ahead to publish the results in newspapers.

This comes after Judge Ronèl Tolmay ruled in favour of publication in the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday, December 8.

She also ordered the Information Regulator (IR) to pay the legal costs of civil rights organisation AfriForum.

AfriForum and several other groups were added as interested parties to the IR case to interdict the Department of Basic Education (DBE) from publishing the matric results next week

The IR argued that publication of the matric results in the media would violate the matriculants’ right to privacy.

On the contrary, Tolmay ruled that it was in the public interest and that the results should, therefore, be published on public platforms and in print media.

AfriForum has welcomed the ruling.

The organisation’s head of cultural affairs, Alana Bailey, said they and other parties also succeeded in a case on the same issue in 2022.

“The ruling is a victory for the matriculants for whom the publication of their results in this way is of great importance.”

It is also part of the larger conversation that is essential to gain more clarity about the distinction between the right to privacy and the public interest,” Bailey said after the case.

📣Results for the @GautengProvince Matric Class of 2024 will be available online from Tuesday, 14 January 2025.

On your browser type: https://t.co/QNtjk5KMhL then enter your Examination Number and access your results in realtime. #MatricResults2024 #GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/t6gKwcaCkJ

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) January 6, 2025

Also read: Same issues continue in Mamelodi

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