In a compassionate message to matriculants, teachers, and parents, senior NWU lecturer Dr Khido Ramadie emphasised that students have just emerged from an intense emotional journey marked by anxiety, burnout, and survival-mode behaviour. Their minds and bodies will now begin to decompress after the final examinations, and they need rest, patience, and understanding.

Ramadie addressed a matric training camp at Itereleng Skills Training Centre. Teachers, who have had to balance their own pressures while supporting fragile learners, also deserve time and space to breathe, recover, and reconnect, she added.

“One of the things we said to learners was that they had gone through identity crises, emotional stress, and burnout – but we reminded them they emerged stronger.

“Educators have worked exceptionally well, and your emotional well-being is equally a matter of concern.

“You have been with these learners, you have protected them, you have disciplined them, you have supported them; you were there for them through difficult times.

“Remember, these are young minds that are still growing, who will face their future within a year. Your presence at the camps truly matters to us – deeply, sincerely, and in every way.”

The national senior certificate final examinations are scheduled to conclude next Friday (28/11). 

North West education MEC Viola Motsumi previously said the department had done all it could to support learners throughout the year. 

Since the start of the academic year, more than a thousand educators have been trained as part of the department’s efforts to develop teachers and improve learner performance.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs