KwaZulu-Natal prepares for 2025 matric examinations with record participation

About 195,899 matriculants are set to sit down for their final examinations across various centres in KwaZulu-Natal. 

This significant number of matriculants represents a 3% increase in participants compared to 2024.According to the department, out of 195,899 candidates, 179,751 are full-time, while 16,148 are part-time. 

Addressing the media on the state of readiness on Tuesday, MEC Sipho Hlomuka told reporters that the department was fully prepared to commence the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Hlomuka stated that the 3% increase was a sign of confidence in the public education system, saying that the Department would celebrate this as an indicator of its sustained efforts towards improving learner retention and expanding access to quality education.

"We are delighted with the ongoing growth of our candidate numbers, which confirms that we are making strides in ensuring every eligible learner completes their schooling journey successfully," stated Hlomuka.

This year’s examination process will see the KwaZulu-Natal Department managing the largest examination system in South Africa, facilitated by a robust logistical network. A dedicated team of 6,450 invigilators will oversee examinations across 6,712 rooms, spread out over 1,705 public and 61 private centres.

Examination materials are set to be distributed through 13 storage points and 103 distribution centres, highlighting the meticulous planning and coordination that underpins this enormous endeavour. As preparations ramp up, the Department has launched a comprehensive 2025 Academic Improvement Plan.

Departmental spokesperson Muzi Mahlami said the Department would build on the successful outcomes of the Class of 2024, which achieved an admirable pass rate of 89.5%. He stated that the Department was now aiming to raise this target to a minimum of 95%. "While achieving a 100% pass rate is our ultimate goal, we are acutely aware of external challenges. Our focus remains on exceeding 95% this year," added the spokesperson.

To facilitate academic readiness, various learner support programmes, including the Winter Tuition Programme and Spring Boot Camps, have been implemented. These initiatives are designed to enhance exam preparation through rigorous revision sessions and familiarisation with exam formats. The Winter Programme ran from June to July 2025, gathering more than 4,380 learners, while the recent Spring Boot Camps, held across all 11 districts, provided critical academic support.

Ensuring the integrity and credibility of the examination process remains a priority for the Department.

Advocacy and training sessions for invigilators, alongside the appointment of additional monitors, have been initiated to safeguard the integrity of assessments. Furthermore, the appointment of 7,889 markers, with ensures timely payments, is crucial to uphold evaluation standards, reinforcing a commitment to educational excellence.

As the countdown to examinations begins, the Department expresses heartfelt gratitude to educators, stakeholders, and the community for their ongoing support in fostering a thriving educational environment. "The readiness of the Class of 2025 is a collective achievement, and we encourage all parents and communities to continue their support as our learners approach these crucial exams," concluded the spokesperson.