Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has called on the 2025 matriculants to uphold integrity and honesty as they prepare for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Speaking during the 2025 Grade 12 NSC candidate pledge signing ceremony at Hoërskool Vorentoe on Friday, Chiloane reminded learners that their journey and the pledge were bound by destiny.
“In 2013, two significant events occurred. First, the Council of Education Ministers established this pledge requirement. Secondly, you, the Class of 2025, entered Grade 1, beginning a journey that brings you here today. Somehow, it is as if destiny aligned your educational path with this commitment to integrity,” he said.
The MEC commended the Class of 2025 for their resilience in adapting to new learning methods and emerging stronger despite challenges.
“Class of 2025, you carry a special distinction. As the 18th cohort to write the NSC examinations, you have navigated unprecedented challenges. You adapted to online learning, returned to modified classrooms, and still managed to master not just traditional subjects but new offerings like Technical Mathematics and Sign Language. Your resilience has already been tested and proven,” Chiloane said.
The event brought together 390 candidates – 221 from Hoërskool Vorentoe and 169 from Westbury Secondary School, who joined more than 192,000 Grade 12 candidates across Gauteng taking part in similar ceremonies.
“You are living proof that when neighbouring schools unite, when communities collaborate, we create something powerful. While you gather here, identical ceremonies unfold across all 1,040 examination centres in Gauteng, binding 192,745 candidates in our provincial covenant of integrity,” he said.
Chiloane reminded learners that the NSC exam was not just another test but a key to their future.
“The NSC Examination is not just another test; it is a high-stakes national assessment that unlocks doors to employment and further education. Every mark you earn honestly becomes a key to your future. Every shortcut you resist strengthens your character. Every rule you follow protects not just your qualification, but the credibility of the entire system,” he said.
He also cautioned candidates against distractions and the misuse of social media.
“I urge you to disconnect from social media during this critical period. These platforms, which can be wonderful tools for connection, too often become breeding grounds for anxiety, false information, and cyberbullying during exam time. I am not asking you, I am instructing you: stay off social media during your examinations. Your emotional well-being depends on it,” he said.
The MEC reiterated the department’s zero tolerance towards cheating and misconduct during exams.
“No cellphones or watches in examination rooms – not in your pocket, not in your bag, nowhere. No disruptive behaviour that disturbs other candidates. No unauthorised materials or devices. No giving or receiving assistance. No writing on behalf of another candidate,” he warned.
The MEC further urged learners to be vigilant and report any wrongdoing.
“Your pledge today includes a commitment to report wrongdoing. This is not about being a snitch; it is about protecting the value of your qualification. When someone cheats, they do not just cheat the system; they cheat you by devaluing the very certificate you are working honestly to earn,” he said.
Chiloane expressed appreciation to educators, school governing bodies, parents, and religious leaders for their collective role in guiding and supporting learners.
He also encouraged learners to maintain integrity throughout their examinations.
“Be the cohort remembered not only for the highest pass rate, but for the highest integrity rate. Be the generation that made cheating obsolete. I want a 100% pass rate from you,” Chiloane said.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the MEC reminded the learners of the significance of the pledge they were signing.
“As you prepare to sign this pledge, remember that this signature represents your word, your honour, your commitment to face these examinations with courage and integrity. You are not just promising to write examinations honestly. You are promising to write your life story with integrity. The pen is in your hands. Write wisely,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
