100 days to go: KwaZulu-Natal Education Department urges students to prepare for matric exams
With just 100 days until the start of the 2025 Matric examinations, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has urged the thousands of students expected to write to buckle down and study.
In a statement, KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said: “Today marks the beginning of the 100-day countdown until the start of the 2025 matric examination. The matric examination is the exit point of 12 years of schooling and a significant milestone in the learners’ academic journey.
“The number of registered candidates in KwaZulu-Natal for the 2025 NSC examinations is 173,584.”
There was some disruptions to schooling in KZN a few months ago due to financial issues which impacted on the mid-year examinations.
Hlomuka announced that this year’s examinations will commence on October 21 with candidates writing Computer Applications Technology P1 in the morning session and Eastern Languages in the afternoon. The examination timetable will conclude with the last exam on November 26.
“Candidates are urged to begin their preparations for the National Senior Certificate (NSC). We hope that candidates have started taking advantage of the support available to them, including the winter classes which concluded on Friday, 11 July 2025. We encourage all candidates to make use of the Study Tips booklet, a valuable resource designed to guide candidates for their upcoming examination.
“As a Department of Education, we encourage all candidates to familiarise themselves with their personal timetables and set aside dedicated study time,” said the MEC.
He continued, “Candidates are warned against committing any irregularities, as these have serious consequences for their results and their future. We encourage candidates to study hard and be well-prepared for their examinations because there is no shortcut to passing examinations.
“It is crucial for candidates to manage their time effectively as examinations are now at the doorstep. The road to success will not be easy, but it is rewarding. Candidates are encouraged to strive to write a credible examination,” he concluded.