An Open Letter to the Class of 2025, and all Citizens of South Africa

My fellow South Africans, the children of the soil…

Today, I invite you to pause and pay tribute to the Class of 2025, our matriculants. You have remained in school. You have shown up. You have learned and acquired knowledge. You have endured, persevered, and given it your all. Such dedication deserves recognition and respect.

As results draw near, we acknowledge that this season can be challenging. Anxiety can stem from various sources: the fear of not passing, uncertainty regarding admission into institutions of higher learning, and concerns about securing funding or financial support throughout one's academic journey. These pressures are real, burdensome, and profoundly human.

It is crucial that we, as parents and adults, fully appreciate this moment and stand in solidarity with the Class of 2025. Be assured that, regardless of the outcome, we are proud of you for reaching this point. Your determination is significant. Your effort matters, and, more importantly, you are valued.

Class of 2025, if your results do not meet your expectations, I urge you to extend grace to yourself. Yes, there may be feelings of pain and disappointment — this is entirely natural. However, do not allow despair to lead you to harm yourself.

Do not succumb to despair. Do not take your life simply because a result states "fail". Please do not kill yourself!

You have not failed. You have only fallen short of meeting the minimum requirements at this moment — and that is not the same thing.

This is not a failure; it is a "not yet". It is a setback, a hurdle, a delay—not a denial.

We do not end our lives because of a setback. We return, regroup, and try again.

What distinguishes this attempt is that you will be better equipped, more knowledgeable, and stronger than before. Setbacks are a part of every life, regardless of age. What truly defines us is how we rise when life repeatedly places obstacles in our path.

When you accept a setback, regroup, and try again — time and again — you reveal your true strength.

Always remember character is far more significant than credentials.

To the Parents

When your child's results indicate that they have not met the minimum requirements for a matric pass, it is natural for disappointment to arise. Such feelings are entirely understandable. Acknowledge and express this disappointment, but do not allow it to be the final word.

Instead, let that disappointment inspire a renewed commitment to support your child more than ever before — support that is nurturing rather than pressuring, and devoid of condemnation. This is not an attempt to dictate how to parent or how to feel; rather, it is a heartfelt plea for us to heal alongside our children, enabling them to recognise their mistakes and find the strength to rectify and overcome them.

We must grant them the space to breathe, to internalise, and to reflect. Our role is to guide by presenting all available options and to offer gentle encouragement, rather than to impose undue expectations.

For those parents whose children have successfully met the minimum requirements for a matric pass, please assist them in making a smooth transition into the next phase of their lives, whether that be higher education, vocational training, employment, or further personal development.

In both scenarios, these learners are stepping into adulthood. This transition necessitates that they begin making informed choices, comprehend the consequences of those choices, and recognise how each decision will shape their future. Our responsibility is to remain present — to guide, support, and cheer them on.

To the Department of Basic Education

Thank you for the work you have done. We recognise that it is not an easy task. Teachers are often overwhelmed, yet many continue to prioritise learners. For that, we express our gratitude and commend you. While there is still much to be done to improve the system, today we acknowledge your efforts.

To my fellow South Africans and to those who support learners, both financially and spiritually, especially those who have nothing, thank you. May the learners you assist one day rise, remember, and pay it forward.

South Africa, you are remarkable. Let us support learners of all grades; every learner deserves encouragement, dignity, and hope.

Today, I salute you.

From a child of the universe.

* Dr Tshepiso Lentsoane is an urban and regional planner, entrepreneur, and social justice advocate, and the Founder and CEO of KR’LEN Consulting.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.