South Africa’s matric class of 2025 officially begins preliminary examinations today, marking a crucial step on the journey to the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has urged learners to approach this milestone with focus, preparation, and balance.
Nationwide Prelims Schedule
The prelims are staggered across provinces, running from late August through early October:
- Eastern Cape: 25 August – 23 September
- Free State: 2 September – 2 October
- Gauteng: 29 August – 26 September
- KwaZulu-Natal: 8 September – 2 October
- Limpopo: 2 September – 26 September
- Mpumalanga: 2 September – 30 September
- Northern Cape: 29 August – 30 September
- North West: 27 August – 25 September
- Western Cape: 5 September – 26 September
Minister Gwarube’s Message to Matrics
Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, commended the resilience of the class of 2025, urging learners to use prelims as a vital training ground for the final NSC exams.
“Prelims are an important milestone; use them to sharpen your preparation for the final exams. Manage your time wisely, revise past papers, and study in focused sessions,” she advised.
She also stressed the need for balance: “Remember to take short breaks, stand up, stretch, and refresh your mind,” she added, as reported by The Citizen.
Expert Study Tips for Matriculants
The Zero Dropout Campaign offers practical strategies to maximise learning and reduce stress:
- Break subjects into chapters: Create a clear study plan and avoid last-minute cramming.
- Practise past papers: Familiarise yourself with exam structure and time constraints.
- Use active recall: Instead of passively reading, quiz yourself or explain concepts in your own words.
- Adopt the Pomodoro method: Study in 25–50 minute blocks, followed by 5–10 minute breaks to maintain focus.
Programme director Merle Mansfield highlights that movement and short breaks are essential: “This method helps you stay sharp and avoid burnout.”
Maintaining Calm and Confidence
Lionel Botha, education and ethos liaison at Inspired Education South Africa, emphasises balance:
- Trust your preparation: “Your teachers have given you the tools you need. Believe in your abilities.”
- Healthy routines matter: Rest, exercise, and proper nutrition all support peak performance.
- Avoid marathon sessions: Short, focused study is more effective than long, unfocused hours.
“Studying for long, uninterrupted hours is rarely productive. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and make time for light exercise,” Botha said.
The prelim exams are more than a rehearsal – they’re an opportunity for learners to refine their study strategies, build confidence, and manage stress before the final NSC exams. With the right mix of discipline, balance, and self-belief, the class of 2025 can turn this milestone into a powerful stepping stone toward success.
