The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, led the Class of 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) pledge signing ceremony at the Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha, Western Cape Province on 17 October 2025. The Minister was joined by the Western Cape MEC, Mr David Maynier, provincial and district education officials.
Minister Gwarube explained the purpose of the pledge, saying: “Today’s ceremony is a national moment. It is a statement about what we believe in and what we aspire to be. It is a declaration that South Africa’s education system is committed to producing citizens who can be trusted, who value hard work, and who conduct themselves with integrity. Our vision for the basic education system is not only to produce learners who pass exams, but to produce young people who are principled, ethical, and inspired to build a better South Africa and a better Africa. The pledge you will take today is a solemn declaration that you will not allow dishonesty, cheating, or any form of misconduct to define your journey. It is a commitment to fairness and truthfulness. When you put your name on that pledge, you are saying that your success will be earned through your own effort, not through shortcuts or deceit”.
Minister Gwarube’s message to the Class of 2025 was: “You have already come a long way. You have endured the challenges of twelve years of schooling, countless lessons, tests, projects, and late nights. You must show integrity that is beyond reproach in the NSC exams. They are a reflection of your effort and the work of your teachers and families. When you read the words of the pledge, remember you are affirming that you will do your best, that you will not engage in any act of dishonesty during your examinations, and that you understand the importance of fairness and ethical conduct. You are promising to respect your teachers, your classmates, and the effort that every person in this room has invested in your success. As you approach your final exams, do so with confidence and pride. You have everything you need to succeed. It is the knowledge that your teachers imparted on you, it is the support of your families, and it is your determination that has brought you this far, it is not cheating. Remember that these exams are not the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new chapter, make it a good and honest chapter. Your hard work will open doors. Your honesty will sustain your success. Your integrity will define your legacy. When you walk into the examination room, walk in with the assurance that your future is in your hands. You are capable, you are ready, and you are the hope of this nation”.
The Minister also expressed her gratitude to the teachers and parents who have walked the road with the Matric Class of 2025. “Your dedication, sacrifice, and belief in our young people make all the difference. Then, to the Matric candidates across the country, as you take the pledge today, remember that you are not just promising to be honest in your exams, you are promising to be honest in all that you do in life. May you go forward with pride, and may your efforts shine as brightly as your dreams. I wish you all the best for your final examinations. Write them with confidence, honesty, and the belief that you are shaping a better South Africa and a better Africa.”
The NSC examination represents the hopes and aspirations of South African learners; it is a gateway to further education, skills development, and an opportunity for learners to gain access to the economy and live lives of dignity. These exams are a collective responsibility, and the DBE calls upon the entire nation to rally their support behind the Class of 2025.