Western Cape cheers for the Class of 2025: You’ve got this!

Western Cape cheers for the Class of 2025: You’ve got this!

17 October 2025

As the countdown begins to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, the Western Cape is rallying behind its Grade 12 learners with a resounding message of encouragement: You’ve got this!

This year, a total of 77 442 candidates will sit for the NSC exams across the province. Of these, 67 606 are full-time candidates, while 9 836 are part-time or repeat candidates.

The exams kick off on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, and will run until Wednesday, 26 November 2025.

In a show of solidarity and support, WCEDnews took to the streets to gather words of wisdom from past matriculants. Their advice, shaped by experience and hindsight, offers valuable guidance to this year’s cohort:

“Never give up, believe in yourself,” urged a member of the Class of 1976.

“Preparation is key,” said a 2001 matriculant.

“Work through past papers,” recommended a 2019 candidate.

All agreed on one thing: the final exams are a demanding and often stressful time. But with the unwavering support of family, friends, and teachers, learners can navigate this challenge with confidence and resilience.

To further assist learners, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has curated a wide range of eLearning resources, including past papers and memos, video lessons, content summaries, and study guides. These are freely available on the WCED website and ePortal.

Recognising the emotional toll this period can take, the WCED urges learners, and adults concerned about a learner’s mental health, to reach out for help. School staff can contact district support teams and learners can call the Safe Schools Hotline at 0800 45 46 47 (toll-free) for assistance from partner government departments and NGOs.

To the Class of 2025: the Western Cape is behind you every step of the way. Stay focused, stay positive, and remember — you’ve got this!