Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates to approach their final examinations with honesty, integrity, and a sense of responsibility to themselves and the country.
Speaking at the National Senior Certificate Pledge Signing Ceremony held at Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Friday, Gwarube said the pledge represented a moment of deep meaning for learners across South Africa.
‘Integrity, honesty and accountability’
“It gives me great pride and joy to join you today, as we gather to witness a moment that carries deep meaning for every learner in our country – the signing of the National Senior Certificate Pledge,” she said.
The Minister said the day was about affirming South Africa’s shared values.
“Today is about affirming who we are as a people and what kind of citizens we want to become. It is a day that speaks to integrity, honesty and accountability, the very values that form the foundation of our education system and our democracy,” the minister said.
Addressing the Class of 2025, Gwarube commended learners for their perseverance through 12 years of schooling and urged them to face their examinations with integrity.
“You have overcome difficulties and uncertainties, and now you stand on the threshold of one of the most defining moments of your young lives. As you prepare to write your National Senior Certificate examinations, you will take a pledge today that commits you to approach this milestone with honour and integrity,” she said.
‘Truthful’
She reminded learners that integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
“Integrity is one of the most important qualities any individual can possess. It means doing what is right even when no one is watching. It means being truthful in your work, being reliable in your promises, and standing firm in your principles,” she said.
Gwarube emphasised that the pledge was not a mere formality, but a vital step in protecting the credibility of South Africa’s education system.
“The pledge you will take today is a solemn declaration that you will not allow dishonesty, cheating, or any form of misconduct to define your journey. It is a commitment to fairness and truthfulness. When you put your name on that pledge, you are saying that your success will be earned through your own effort, not through shortcuts or deceit,” the Minister said.
‘Harm the entire system’
She warned that dishonesty during examinations undermines not only individuals but the entire education system.
“If we allow cheating or dishonesty to undermine these exams, we not only harm ourselves, but we harm the credibility of the entire system. We damage the value of the certificate that thousands of honest learners have worked hard to achieve. We weaken the trust that society places in our education system,” Gwarube said.
She described the pledge as “a collective act of protection – protecting your future, protecting your integrity and the integrity of the system, and protecting the reputation of our country.”
Gwarube said the ceremony was a reminder that education is not only about academic achievement but also about developing character and values.
“Our vision for the basic education system is not only to produce learners who pass exams, but to produce young people who are principled, ethical, and inspired to build a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said.
‘Principled citizens’
She encouraged learners to embody empathy, respect and responsibility, noting that the future of the nation depends on principled citizens.
“The future of our country will depend not only on how educated we are, but on how principled we are. A nation that values honesty and fairness will always find its way forward, no matter the challenge,” she said.
The Minister also expressed hope that South Africa’s learners would contribute to a values-driven continent.
“We also take pride in knowing that the kind of learner we nurture here in South Africa will contribute to a thriving and values-based Africa. The future of our continent depends on young leaders who understand that integrity is the true measure of leadership.”
She encouraged learners to write their final examinations with confidence and pride.
“Your hard work will open doors. Your honesty will sustain your success. Your integrity will define your legacy. When you walk into the examination room, walk in with the assurance that your future is in your hands. You are capable, you are ready, and you are the hope of this nation,” she said.
Gratitude for teachers
Gwarube also wished learners well for their valedictory ceremonies, urging them to celebrate integrity, effort, and resilience.
“Let your valedictory be a celebration of integrity, effort, and resilience. Let it be a reminder that the lessons you take from school are not only found in books, but in the values that will guide your lives.”
She expressed gratitude to teachers and parents for their continued support of learners across the country.
“To the teachers and parents who have walked this road with our Matric Class of 2025: thank you. Your dedication, sacrifice, and belief in our young people make all the difference,” she said.
Closing her address, the Minister told the learners that as they take the pledge today, they must remember that they are not just promising to be honest in their exams, but in all that they do in life.
“May you go forward with pride, and may your efforts shine as brightly as your dreams. I wish you all the best for your final examinations. Write them with confidence, honesty, and the belief that you are shaping a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said.
