Matriculant Confesses to Being Only Student to Fail at His School in TikTok Video, SA Moved
- A TikTok video shows a matriculant who sharing a bitter truth about his last year at a traditional school
- The former Grade 12 student admitted that he did not do well in his matric exams, and his situation broke hearts
- Briefly News contacted an Associate professor and Clinical Psychologist of the University of Western Cape (UWC), who shared advice for youngsters with disappointing 2024 matric results
One matriculant did not have a reason to celebrate after the latest matric results. The young man shared his struggles ever since he finished school.
Source: UGC
The video of the young man who opened up about his matric results received more than 100,000 likes. UWC's Dr Erica Munnik who holds a PhD in Psychology, discussed how to handle academic failure with Briefly News.
2024 Matriculant unable to celebrate in 2025
In a TikTok video posted by pakilawu_, the content creator asked a young man to share his craziest confession. The youngster, who remained anonymous, revealed that he wrote his matric exams but was the only person who did not pass at his school, which usually gets a 100% pass rate.
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He said that it felt like his school, teachers, peers and parents were bitterly disappointed by his academic performance. The young man said that he feels hopeless as he is facing pressure from his loved ones. Dr Munnik told Briefly News that the young man acknowledging the negative feelings he's having is the first step to doing something about the problem. Watch the heartbreaking video below:
How to handle academic failure
UWC psychology expert Dr Munnik said social media is not the best place to air out negative feelings as strangers may be quick to judge. It is better to speak to a person who is understanding. The Clinical psychologist highlighted to Briefly News that it is important to be productive while trying to feel better instead of taking part in risky behaviour such as drinking or overspending to temporarily feel better.
Dr Munnik encouraged Briefly News readers in the same position as the matriculant who failed to be open and honest with parents or family members and friends if they are not close to their parents. A teacher, an elder or a counsellor are also alternatives for anyone struggling with academic failure. Dr Munnik said:
"It is ok to be upset, talk to someone that you know will be able to listen and understand. Try to remember that everyone experiences failure at a certain time in their life, what matters is how we respond to the failure. You need to take responsibility and then ask for support."
What options are available after failing matric?
Briefly News reported that matriculants have the option to rewrite their exams. Aside from rewriting, Matric College highlights that one can still enrol for courses even without a matric certificate.
Available courses include an ICB Course which awards the student with an ICB National Certificate, Higher Certificate or National Diploma in scarce skills such as bookkeeping, auditing and more which are useful for getting a job or getting into entrepreneurship. There are also short courses available when someone fails matric.
Aside from alternatives to study further if you fail matric, Dr Munnik emphasised the importance of balancing work and self-care by being realistic about your situation. The psychologist said;
"Academic pressures are real. It is important to see yourself in a realistic light. Some learners have to work very hard to get average results whilst others don't have to. So insight into your capabilities and what you expect of yourself is important."
Dr Munnik also explained to Briefly News the importance of physical activity to fight stress and create balance. According to Dr Munnik, sleep, healthy eating and time to relax, watch TV, play games and spend time with loved ones are all crucial to living a balanced life despite what happens in the academic space.
Source: Getty Images
SA moved by upset matriculant
Many people commented on the video, expressing how sad the young man's confession was. Online users said that the young boy was crying out for help.
Miss Aura pointed out:
"This isn't a confession it's a cry for help 😓💔"
Athi's side chick was sad:
"Oh yhini he sounded like he wanted to cry 💔☹"
bonginkosi ncobela could relate:
"This was me, I re-did a few subjects and now I’m a BCom Law graduate and final LLB student."
_LethinjabuloShivambu remarked:
"I hope you didn’t let him leave after that interview. I hope you spoke to him and helped as a big brother. That child needed someone to support and hear him 🥺😭"
hypersommia encouraged the matriculant:
"I’m actually sobbing this is so sad, he needs to fix his matric and not give up."
Sindo💕 was touched:
"He's so hurt💔, please hug him and tell him to go upgrade as hard as it is. He'll be okay."
𝐵𝒾𝒷𝒾 encouraged the young man:
"Shame, man. He must go rewrite 🥺"
T wrote:
"I want to hug him💔"
Kimberly.H🦋 shared:
"My boy ,my results came back with fail, I was mocked and laughed at went for a remarking turns out I passed ngoB and it was too late for varsity that year so I was home the whole year."
Noname commented:
"If you're reading this, I hope you know youre not a disappointment and it's not the end of the world. Life is only getting started, and I wish you all the strength and courage to start over and get it right."
Shabba wrote:
"Please rewrite. It’s not the end of the world, I promise you. It genuinely gets better.🫂"
Devine Sibiya said:
"Oh baby if you’re reading this, please know that you’re not a disappointment. No one chooses to fail and I know that you gave it your all, despite the outcome. Please fight for yourself😔❤️."
4 Matriculants who failed and tried again
- A matriculant finally made it after he was unable to pass Grade 12 multiple times and Briefly News reported on his success.
- One woman touched many after she showed her reaction after failing matric since writing the 2024 exams.
- People were touched after a Grade 12 student who failed decided to start their academic journey from the previous grade.
- South Africa applauded a woman who shared her story about how she succeeded in life after failing matric.
If you are feeling suicidal or are thinking about hurting yourself, do not hesitate to call the SA Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567.
If you are concerned that someone you know might be in danger of hurting themselves, please alert your local authorities for immediate assistance. You can also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information above.
Help is available on the Suicide Crisis Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and counsellors can conduct calls in all 11 official languages.
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Source: Briefly News
