“I’m Sad and Disappointed”: Student to Repeat Grade 11 After Failing Matric
- A local schoolgirl bravely shared with Mzansi online users that she had failed her final year of school
- While she shared she was sad and disappointed, the TikTokker noted that she decided to repeat Grade 11
- Thousands of people on the internet headed to her post's comment section to share support and relatable stories
- Award-winning actress, Sannah Mchunu shared some words of encouragement with Briefly News for the students who didn't make it

Source: TikTok
There is no shame in sharing one's failures with the world, as embracing setbacks takes strength and courage as part of the journey to success. A determined young lady recently revealed she would repeat a grade after not passing her matric exams.
Student shows determination
In a video, TikTokker Somila Nyathela bravely shared that she failed Grade 12, but her climb to success wouldn't end there. Instead, she chose to repeat Grade 11.
Somila wrote in her caption:
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"I am so sad and disappointed, but I will push harder."
Sannah Mchubu told Briefly News journalist, Moroba Maepa, that those who didn't make it shouldn't throw in the towel:
"It's never too late, we keep trying til we get it right; don't be afraid to try again. My mom used to tell me, 'Just try, my child. Rather try and fail, don't fail to try.' I always remember her words. Someone who tries will repeat until they get it right. Good luck and all the best."
Take a look at the TikTok video below:
Minimum requirements to pass matric
The private college Regenesys, based in Johannesburg, notes that while there are different levels to pass matric, depending on the student's score, they can pass their examinations as long as they meet the minimum requirements:
- A minimum of 40% in a home language.
- A minimum of 40% for any two subjects.
- At least 30% for an additional two subjects.
Students can pass with either a bachelor's pass, diploma pass, Higher Certificate pass, or NSC pass.
Savannah Cozzi, Executive Director of the Education Outreach Foundation and co-founder of Socially Gathering, shared empowering advice for students whose matric results didn't go as planned.
"Life is not linear and there are many hurdles that will challenge you along the way. Rest assured that this is not the end of the road and know you are capable and worthy. You can be worried and angry at your results or rather excited about the opportunity to improve and be better version of yourself – it is just mindset away. There are opportunities out there to reinforce your education - GADRA and the Second Chance Matric programme are two examples. Failure is just a stepping stone to success and know your story is just beginning."

Source: Getty Images
Mzansi shows girl support
Among the half a million members of the online community who viewed the video, thousands took to the comment section to show the determined schoolgirl love and support.

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@nelyothandwayo said to Somila:
"Suspect will come back to this video in 2026 with distinctions. Go, baby."
@lindokuhlebanangi added in the comments:
"I wish I repeated Grade 12. All the best, doll."
A supportive @bongiwe_mgabadelie stated:
"You won't regret it. I'm so proud of you."
@zuu_ben shared an inspiring story, writing:
"I have a friend who went through this. She is now an IT graduate working for a reputable company."
@zasembohgcwabe33 told app users:
"Many great successes start with setbacks. Learn, grow, and keep moving forward."
@tolo__kazi noted in the comments:
"Your positivity will definitely take you places."
3 other stories about matric results
- One young lady got candid about her academic journey and shared that she repeated Grade 12 thrice before passing the grade.
- A girl showed massive improvement after returning to Grade 11. Local social media users applauded her impressive achievement.
- Two best friends shared their victorious moment of obtaining better grades after rewriting their matric examinations.
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Source: Briefly News

Jade Rhode (Human Interest Editor) Jade Rhode is a Human Interest Reporter who joined the Briefly News team in April 2024. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes University, majoring in Journalism and Media Studies (distinction) and Linguistics. Before pursuing her tertiary education, Jade worked as a freelance writer at Vannie Kaap News, telling the tales of the community. After her studies, Jade worked as an editorial intern for BONA Magazine, contributing to both print and online. To get in touch with Jade, please email jade.rhode@briefly.co.za

Savannah Cozzi (Executive Director of the Education Outreach Foundation and the Co-Founder of Socially Gathering) Savannah Cozzi is an attorney and social impact leader dedicated to education, entrepreneurship, and female empowerment. After working in public law at Webber Wentzel, she pivoted to become Executive Director of the Education Outreach Foundation, which provides digital literacy and resources to under-resourced schools. Savannah co-founded Socially Gathering, a platform empowering 30,000+ women.