The 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams are now well past the halfway mark, with learners set to complete their final paper at the end of November.
The Department of Basic Education said that despite a few technical hiccups and minor disruptions, the exams have proceeded largely smoothly across the country.
Speaking to VOC News, Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond described the process as encouraging so far.
“It has been positive thus far. There haven’t been any major incidents, thank goodness. The dedication of our teachers and exam staff has been remarkable, from phoning up learners who haven’t arrived to even fetching them from their homes to ensure they make it to the exam center on time. That just shows that everyone is rooting for our matrics,” Hammond said.
However, amid a surge in gang violence on the Cape Flats, concerns are mounting over the safety and emotional well-being of learners as the exams continue.
Hammond acknowledged the strain this environment places on students and teachers alike.
“There are additional security measures in place, but the increase in gang violence is very concerning. People often forget about the trauma it causes. Learners are getting up to write their exams after experiencing gunfire in their communities the night before; that’s deeply worrying. We just wish them peace as they go into these exams,” she said.
Hammond added that psychosocial support services remain available for learners who may be affected by violence or stress during the examination period.
VOC News
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