Pretoria: Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has reassured the Class of 2025 that not passing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations does not signify the end of their educational journey, highlighting the availability of multiple support mechanisms and alternative pathways.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister, addressing learners at the release of the matric results, emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and resilience. She encouraged learners to seek support, stating, "And to every learner who did not get the result you hoped for: you are not a failure, and your story is not over. There are pathways to improve your results - through rewrites, support programmes and second-chance opportunities. What matters now is that you take the next step, with support, and without shame."
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) continues to provide interventions through the Second Chance Matric Programme. This initiative offers structured academic and psychosocial support to learners aiming to rewrite subjects or complete outstanding requirements. The programme assists candidates in meeting the requirements of either the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (SC), enabling them to obtain a recognised Grade 12 qualification.
Support is accessible through a blend of face-to-face classes at various centres nationwide, alongside online learning platforms, television lessons, and radio broadcasts, catering to learners in diverse circumstances. Eligible learners can rewrite through examination opportunities such as NSC supplementary exams in March, NSC progressed learner exams in June, and part-time NSC exams in November.
The DBE has reiterated that the Second Chance Matric Programme is free of charge, cautioning learners and parents to be wary of private or commercial services that charge fees under the guise of program affiliation. Eligible candidates may register for the May/June examination cycle without any payment. Registration for the programme commenced on 1 October 2025 and will conclude on 6 February 2026.
Additionally, the DBE provides an online service for NSC candidates to request a re-mark or re-check of examination scripts. Candidates must register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create a personal account, which will grant them access to the service. Registration can be done at schools, district offices, or online. The application window for re-marking and re-checking opens on 13 January 2026 and closes on 27 January 2026. Fees are set at R120 per subject for re-marking and R30 per subject for re-checking. Viewing of scripts is permitted only after re-mark or re-check results, with a fee of R230.
Results of remarking will be available from 13 March 2026 at the school or exam centre where candidates sat for their 2025 examinations. The Second Chance programme targets key gateway subjects, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and more, as part of the government's efforts to enhance learner retention, align with the National Development Plan, and offer exposure to bursary and further-study opportunities.
