As the results of the Class of 2025 near release, parents and guardians are encouraged to create a compassionate environment where their children can share their results without fear or added stress.

This call comes from Tseleng Makganye, a social worker, who urges caregivers and parents to provide children with the space to share their matric results, listen attentively without judgement, offer support, remain available, and take every request for assistance seriously.

Makganye emphasises that parents should immediately seek help for individuals struggling with distress, feeling unsafe or harbouring thoughts of self-harm.

She says it is vital to confide in a trusted individual, such as a parent, friend, teacher or church representative, about one’s emotional state, and that death is not a viable solution, as support and hope are accessible.

“Allow them to process what has happened. The only aspect that you should be concerned about is showing them that you are there and you care for them.

“Do not judge, do not criticise, do not blame, do not shy away from talking about it. Listen with the intent to support and care. This way, you can help to come up with a crisis plan to prevent suicide. Be available when needed for family therapy when a crisis plan is activated, and so forth,” she explains.

“Do not ignore when they communicate that they need help, and think it’s not important. Acknowledge when and if there is a problem, and offer support,” Makganye says.

Makganye adds that if the results are not positive, discuss alternatives and develop an action plan.

“Trying via college is still an option, writing supplementary [exams] is still an option, there are higher-certificate programmes aimed at bridging the gap, and also, cultivate a grateful attitude and positive mindset by acknowledging their strengths.

“Encourage conversations that focus on the child’s abilities, their interests and worthiness. Develop long-term goals that go beyond what is only on paper,” she says.

SADAG Project Manager for Education Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha also recently stated that each year, SADAG receives an increase in calls from learners and parents struggling to cope with the uncertainty of results.

“For many young people, matric results are seen as a once-in-a-lifetime judgement of their ability, intelligence, and future. It becomes a national event filled with pressure from family, teachers, peers, and even social media.

“When results are tied to shame, disappointment or fear of letting others down, anxiety can easily turn into feelings of hopelessness. We want young people to know that there is always help and always hope.

“If you’re feeling anxious or scared, talk about it early. You don’t have to wait for a crisis; there is someone ready to listen and help you find your way forward,” Parbhoo-Seetha says.

She adds that there is a deep concern about the emotional toll this period can take, especially for young people who have already faced an intense year of studying, exams, and expectations.

To further assist during this time, SADAG has launched a new Matric Results Online Toolkit, available at www.sadag.org.

The free digital resource is designed to support young people through the emotions and decisions that come with results day.

SADAG also encourages learners to prepare emotionally for Results Day by deciding in advance who to talk to and where to be, no matter the outcome.

The organisation adds that those waiting for results should separate marks on paper from self-worth, as these marks are not a measure of their value as a person.

Limiting social media to avoid harmful comparisons or pressure is important, as is planning for different outcomes. There are always multiple pathways to success – from remarking or rewriting to bridging courses, TVET colleges or other opportunities.

SADAG offers free, confidential, 24-hour support for learners, parents, and teachers nationwide. Trained counsellors are available at any time to provide guidance, practical next steps, and emotional support.

SADAG can be reached 24 hours a day at 0800 567 567, on WhatsApp chat at 087 163 2030 from 08:00–17:00 or by sending an SMS with ‘Help’ to 31393 for a counsellor to call you back.

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