With the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations set to begin next week, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has urged Grade 12 learners to stay off social media and focus on their studies.
Speaking at the NSC Pledge Signing Ceremony held at Vorentoe Hoërskool in Rossmore, Chiloane cautioned learners that social media can easily become a distraction during the critical exam preparation period.
“Disconnect from social media during this critical period,” he said. “These platforms, which can be wonderful tools for connection, too often become breeding grounds for anxiety, false information, and cyberbullying during exam time.”
The MEC also warned against fraudulent messages and scams circulating online, particularly those claiming to offer leaked exam papers.
“We are aware that there are WhatsApp messages promising you leaked papers,” Chiloane said. “Take note that these are scams targeting your desperation. These social media people are catfishes aiming to exploit your anxiety.”
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, 192,745 candidates have registered to write the 2025 matric exams in the province. Of these, 144,246 are full-time learners — a 6% increase compared to 2024 — while 48,499 are part-time candidates.
The exams will be written across 1,040 examination centres, all of which have been audited and declared compliant. The province’s NSC examinations will run from 21 October to 27 November 2025.
Chiloane reassured learners and parents that Gauteng’s preparations are well underway, including the securing of exam venues and the deployment of trained invigilators and monitors.
“Our systems are in place to ensure that exams proceed smoothly, safely, and with integrity,” he concluded.
