As the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations officially begin tomorrow, Grade 12 learners across the North West Province have declared their readiness and commitment to uphold examination regulations and maintain integrity throughout the exam period.
This follows a Provincial Prayer and Pledge-Signing Ceremony held on Friday, 17 October 2025, at Waterkloof Secondary School near Rustenburg, where learners gathered in a fully packed hall to pledge against any form of examination irregularities, including cheating and misconduct.
The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders — Traditional Leaders, Members of Parliament, Councillors, Pastors, Departmental Officials, Principals, Educators, School Governing Bodies, Unions, Business Representatives, and Learners — all united in prayer and encouragement as the province prepares for this crucial academic milestone.
Addressing the gathering, MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, expressed concern over the growing incidents of vandalism in schools, describing them as a serious threat to education and the future of learners.
“We are living in a very critical and challenging time, where the actions of a few continue to harm the future of many,” she said. “Criminals continue to destroy and steal from schools — from burning classrooms to stealing food and educational equipment. These acts of vandalism and theft are not only criminal; they are an attack on the education and future of our children.”
MEC Motsumi appealed to communities to take an active stand against school vandalism, emphasizing that education is a shared responsibility.
“Communities, leaders, and parents must rise together to protect schools and safeguard the future of learners. Many of our schools operate with minimal resources, and we must all work together to ensure that schools remain safe, functional, and protected spaces of learning and hope,” she added.
She also commended the Class of 2025 for their dedication, expressing confidence that North West learners will perform exceptionally well in this year’s exams.
“I believe our learners are prepared to rise even higher and push beyond, to claim a spot among the top three performing provinces in the country. With focus, discipline, and integrity, this goal is within reach,” she said.
Motsumi further urged learners to approach the exams with honesty and discipline.
“Let us be known not only for our results, but also for the honesty and values that define us,” she emphasized.
Bonginkosi Motaung, President of the North West Representative Council of Learners, also took to the podium to encourage his peers to take the examinations seriously and refrain from any irregular conduct.
“I am pleading with my fellow learners to obey the examination rules and avoid any actions that could jeopardize their future. We must believe in ourselves and work hard to become better people. The pledges we made today must guide us until the last day of the exams,” said Motaung.
The Department of Education has reiterated that any learner found guilty of an examination irregularity could face a three-year ban from writing the National Senior Certificate exams — a penalty that could severely impact their future academic plans.
As the matric examinations commence tomorrow, the spirit of commitment and integrity displayed by North West learners offers renewed hope for a successful and disciplined examination season across the province
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