Chasing Dreams

AS THOUSANDS of Western Cape matriculants prepare to write their final exams, the pressure to perform is mixed with uncertainty about what comes next.

For many in under-resourced communities, the final stretch of school isn’t just about passing - it’s about breaking cycles of poverty, finding opportunity, and holding onto hope in a country where youth unemployment hovers near 45 percent.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) expects 67 606 full-time matric candidates to sit their Senior Certificate exams, alongside 9 386 part-time or repeat learners. 

They face a future shaped by economic upheaval and limited work prospects. And the numbers show just how steep the climb can be.

According to Statistics South Africa, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 34 is approximately 46.1 percent, increasing to 62.4 percent among younger age groups.

Even with a matric certificate, nearly one in two young people still struggle to find work - a reminder that finishing school is only part of the journey toward a brighter future.

Yet for thousands of learners writing this year, the focus remains on possibility: on studying, qualifying, and creating opportunities that can change their lives and those of their families.

WCED MEC David Maynier said there are 3 231 more full-time candidates writing compared to 2024. 

Exams begin on Tuesday, 21 October, with 12 736 learners taking the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Practical exam in the morning. In total, 112 examination papers will be written, concluding on 26 November.

Portland High School learner Jayden Hein, who lives in a wendy house in Portlands, Mitchells Plain, has already drawn up a study timetable, but he says there’s still more work to be done.

Jayden shared: “The only fear I have for now is getting my results and seeing that I didn’t make it. But I do believe that I will pass this year.

"Another fear is not getting accepted into any of the tertiary institutions I applied to, and ending up unemployed.”

Jayden dreams of becoming a boilermaker, but says if studying doesn’t work out next year, he hopes to find a decent job that pays well. 

Despite his fears, he remains optimistic -- even if he believes some opportunities may lie beyond South Africa’s borders.

He added: “I would like to work overseas because there are more opportunities. Here, you need the right qualifications behind your name to get a good job.”

For Strandfontein teen mom Tia Hendricks preparing for finals means balancing studies with caring for her one-year-old son.

The 18-year-old matriculant from Strandfontein Secondary School has been revising past papers on the WCED e-portal and using extra study materials provided by her teachers.

A determined Tia said: “I don’t have any fears, just positive thoughts going into the finals. I’m doing this not just for me, but for my one-year-old son.

“Honestly, at first it felt overwhelming thinking about how I was going to juggle being a mom and finishing school at the same time.

“But with the support of my family, friends, my son’s father, and even our neighbours, I’ve been able to find the time to focus on school as well.

“Every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself that I’m not just doing this for me — I’m doing it for my precious boy, Kai. He pushes me to do better because I want to give him the world.”

After matric, Tia hopes to find a job and study through her company, if the opportunity arises. But she admits she doesn’t see a long-term future in South Africa.

She adds: “There are so many young adults with matric certificates who still can’t find work. My dream is to get a job abroad, work hard, and build a better life for my son and me.”

Balancing motherhood and final exams has been challenging for Tia, but she credits her support network for helping her stay on track.

Meanwhile, at Bothasig High School, Nazeeha Sha from Glenlily, Parow, has spent months preparing for her finals - attending after-school and holiday classes, and starting her revision notes early so that exam time feels less overwhelming.

She’s applied to tertiary institutions to study teaching, but says that’s only her Plan B. 

Naheeha wysed: “My first choice is to become a flight attendant. But since I’m not old enough yet, I’m going to study first and complete all the requirements, like doing a year in customer service.”

Nazeeha says she’s determined to build a bright future — both for herself and her parents.

She added: “I’m dedicated to making a great life for myself. I want to work hard, be independent, and give back to my parents. And as a flight attendant, I’d love to travel the world while doing that.”

For now, the Class of 2025 is focused on getting through their final papers — but for learners like Jayden, Tia, and Nazeeha, the bigger test begins afterward. 

Their dreams - to study, work, and one day thrive - are reminders that behind every matric pass mark is a story of resilience, ambition, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.