WITH the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations set to kick off in October, teacher unions and Grade 12 pupils in KwaZulu-Natal have expressed cautious optimism about readiness while acknowledging the pressures of the final stretch of the school year.

South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza said schools had grappled with resource constraints, particularly at the start of the year due to funding challenges. “This causes a lot of anxiety among teachers. However, teachers have always been engaged in the classroom, yes with less support sometimes from the department,” Caluza said.

She emphasised the importance of subject advisors in supporting and guiding teachers but said there is a shortage of them in the province. Funding challenges also disrupted learning mid-year.

“At some point in June, there were learning disturbances when the union called for payment of basic allocation to schools,” Caluza said. Despite these setbacks, she said teachers were committed to ensuring learners were ready for their final examinations. “Besides all these, teachers have done their work and are continuing to do so as they prepare their learners for the trial examination,” she said.

On exam security, Caluza expressed confidence in the province. “Fortunately, in KZN, there have never been challenges of security concerns regarding exam papers; we hope that even this year there will be no challenges,” she said. She added that the selection of markers had been completed. “Selection of markers went well, what is left now is the inspection of marking centres to ensure that all are ready and fit to accommodate our teachers.”

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa KZN provincial chief executive Thirona Moodley said extra efforts had been made to support learners.

“The learners and educators have put in the work. Study camps were held during the school holidays, and some schools worked hard with the learners during weekends. The districts provided support,” Moodley said.

She added that technology and independent study had also played a role. “There is an abundance of online material that students can access to study independently. There is no reason why our learners will not be ready for the final exams.”

Moodley said she expected a smooth exam administration this year. “The examinations in 2024 were run exceptionally well, and we expect the same glitch-free exams this year. Marker selection has been completed, and we are confident they are up to the challenge of marking accurately and within the stipulated timeframes.”

Grade 12 learners at Dedangifunde High School in Madadeni shared their feelings ahead of the exams.

Sanele Buthelezi said he was not feeling the pressure of the coming exams. “I do attend extra classes, but I prefer to revise alone using past papers, that is very effective for me. I also take a bit of breaks and listen to music to deal with stress,” he said.

Ayanda Magwaza said: “I’m anxious about the Maths and Physical Science papers, but I feel okay with the other subjects, they’re easier. To cope, I usually go for a run to clear my mind,” he said. Both students said they were looking forward to completing high school. “It’s stressful, but we are ready to finish and move forward,” Buthelezi added.

THE MERCURY

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