SADAG urges matriculants not to let results define their worth

As matriculants anxiously await the official release of their results, mental health advocacy group, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has urged learners and parents to approach the period with compassion and perspective.

SADAG warns that the pressure surrounding matric results can be overwhelming, with many learners experiencing heightened anxiety and fear.

“Many learners are feeling anxious, scared, and overwhelmed, not because they haven’t worked hard, but because so much pressure is placed on these results. So to our matriculants of 2025, I just want to say to you, your results do not define your worth or your future, ” said Project Manager for Education, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha.

Her comments come as nearly 900,000 matriculants who wrote the 2025 exams await the release of their results tomorrow.

Parbhoo-Seetha emphasised that exam outcomes do not measure a young person’s intelligence, resilience or potential. She encouraged learners who may feel disappointed to seek support and consider alternative pathways, including supplementary exams, TVET colleges, skills programmes and learnerships.

 

Parents and guardians have also been urged to respond with empathy rather than blame, with SADAG noting that reassurance and understanding can help prevent feelings of shame, isolation and hopelessness among learners.

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has also urged learners who did not achieve the results they hoped for not to see this as the end of the road. She highlighted second-chance pathways, emphasising that the matric certificate is not the only measure of success.

[NSC 2025 Results Announcement]

The 2025 results show us that excellence is spreading into communities that have carried the heaviest burdens – but they also remind us that the number of learners enrolling should never run ahead of our ability to ensure that they perform well.… pic.twitter.com/T7Af4EqaoK

— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) January 12, 2026

Waiting for matric results can feel heavy for both teens and parents.
If you or your teen need someone to talk to, call SADAG on 0800 567 567 (Available 24/7 everyday) or WhatsApp 076 882 2775 (Mon – Sun from 8am to 5pm).#MatricResults #ParentSupport #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/kA7bdmtsmQ

— SADAG (@TheSADAG) January 9, 2026

The Gauteng Department of Health has also offered free mental health support to matriculants, saying services are available at primary health care facilities across the province for learners experiencing stress or anxiety ahead of the release of matric results.

MEDIA STATEMENT || GAUTENG HEALTH ENCOURAGES MATRICULANTS TO SEEK MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOLLOWING RELEASE OF MATRIC RESULTS pic.twitter.com/YLgk7nGjDd

— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) January 12, 2026