The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is calling on the class of 2024 to remain calm as they await their matric results next week. The organisation says it’s receiving at least 2 000 calls a day – with matriculants among those who are seeking counselling and assistance with their feelings of anxiety.

Volunteers are hard at work trying to give hope to matriculants and calm their anxieties.

“I think the matriculants need to take a step back and look at how far they have come having to get to where they are right now. That had to be a lot of hard work that they put in. I think they need to embrace the fact that they have reached this far and also acknowledge the fact that the journey might not have been easy, but they made it,” says Lebohang Mokoena, SADAG Volunteer Training Coordinator.

More than 90 000 candidates sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC). They studied, wrote the exams and now they wait.

A group of Soweto-based matriculants say the suspense is taking a mental toll on them.

“It is mixed emotions. I can’t even understand them because immediately after I was done writing, I have been looking forward to the day. Then now since it is approaching, anxiety is starting to kick in. It is a lot, but I am trusting myself, I am trusting God at the same time and hoping for the best,” says a matriculant Andile Mbatha.

“I won’t lie I am nervous. But then I hope what I was hoping for will happen next week,” says Siyamthanda Sibiya, another matriculant.

They fear that not receiving their intended results will be a stumbling block to their future. This they say is manifesting into feelings of uncertainty and nervousness.

“I am very anxious because now that I am taking into consideration that the one year is going to determine the rest of my life and now.  I am very anxious about it. I don’t know what the future holds. I am hoping it is good marks. I know I performed well but also, I am very afraid of the times I chose to sleep and all the sleepless nights I had,” says Mashego Hlele, a matriculant.

“You can just go back and repeat. But I would say not going to the institution that I want to go, and graduating on time and completing the desired degree on time, that is the only worry I have,” adds Siphesile Nkabinde, another matriculant.

SADAG is urging parents to support their children despite any outcome. Matriculants can also reach out to the organisation on 0800 567 567 to help control their racing thoughts.

Matric Results | SADAG urges 2024 class to take it easy: