{
  "id": 13990947,
  "title": "KZN Education launches mental health project for matric candidates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/kzn-education-launches-mental-health-project-for-matric-candidates",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-12T15:45:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/kzn-education-launches-mental-health-project-for-matric-candidates/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has introduced a pilot project to offer mental health support to the 302,000 full-time matric candidates in the province. These candidates are set to commence their final exams on Tuesday. During a media briefing in Durban, MEC Sipho Hlomuka expressed satisfaction with the 4% increase in full-time candidates, suggesting that fewer learners are dropping out before completing grade 12.\n\nHlomuka mentioned that everything is prepared for the printing of 32 million individual exam papers, their secure storage, and distribution to over 1,700 exam centers across the province. To the matrics of 2026, Hlomuka urged them to believe in themselves, the effort put in by teachers, parents, and communities. He emphasized the importance of approaching every examination with discipline, confidence, and determination, reading questions carefully, and managing time effectively. Hlomuka warned that anxiety could be the biggest obstacle to their preparation.\n\nNkosinathi Ngcobo, the head of the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department, expressed optimism about the Class of 2026. Comparing the first and second terms of 2025 with the current situation, he believes they are on track to maintain the record pass rate of 90% achieved last year. He even suggested there might be an improvement.",
  "summary": "MEC Sipho Hlomuka said he's pleased with the four percent increase in full-time candidates.",
  "key_points": [
    "KZN Education launches mental health project for 302,000 matric candidates",
    "MEC Sipho Hlomuka highlights 4% increase in full-time candidates",
    "Nkosinathi Ngcobo predicts possible improvement in 2026 pass rate"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}