As the Class of 2026 begins their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, Father Chaka Motanyane, dean of the Far East Rand Deanery in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, has urged learners to approach the examination period with faith, encouragement, and understanding. In a message to Catholics in the Far East Rand Deanery and across the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, Father Chaka wished matric learners well as they start their exams on October 13. He encouraged them to remain focused and demonstrate what they have learnt throughout their schooling.
A record 962,832 learners have registered for the October/November examinations, including 815,051 full-time learners and 147,781 part-time learners seeking to improve their previous results. Father Chaka cautioned against setting expectations that could increase anxiety, such as telling learners that their families expect them to achieve a particular number of distinctions. Instead, he encouraged families to create an environment in which young people feel supported and confident as they prepare for their examinations.
Father Chaka appealed to parents, friends, classmates, and the broader community not to add to the pressure learners already face. He urged the Catholic community to support learners, pray for them, and reassure them that they can do well. His message highlights the importance of recognising that matric examinations can be an emotionally demanding period. Learners need reassurance that they are valued beyond their marks.
Father Chaka also urged matriculants who feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with the pressure to reach out to someone they trust. He identified parents, priests, school social workers, and professionals at clinics as possible sources of support for learners who need someone to talk to. Families and communities are encouraged to remain attentive to learners' emotional well-being, particularly when they experience stress, fear, or uncertainty about their results.
The 2026 examinations will run until November 26, marking an important milestone for hundreds of thousands of learners across South Africa. Father Chaka assured matrics that the Catholic family in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg would keep them in its prayers throughout the examination period. His message places prayer alongside practical support, encouraging learners to do their best while trusting in the preparation they have received.
For the Class of 2026, the coming weeks will require discipline, determination, and perseverance. However, Father Chaka's message is that learners should not have to navigate the journey alone. He concluded by wishing learners well and encouraging them to approach their examinations with confidence. He emphasised that the community is praying for them and believes in their abilities.
Father Chaka's message to South Africa's largest full-time matric cohort to date concluded with a message of support and encouragement. He wished them good luck with their examinations and urged them to remember that their community is behind them. The Catholic community is called upon to support and pray for the matriculants as they undertake this significant challenge.
Key points
- Father Chaka Motanyane urges Catholic community to support Grade 12 learners during matric exams.
- A record 962,832 learners have registered for the October/November NSC examinations in South Africa.
- Learners are encouraged to seek help if they feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with exam pressure.
