CLASS OF 2026 EMBRACES FINAL 100-DAY NSC COUNTDOWN

ULLOVU – With exactly 100 days remaining before the start of the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, Ullovu Secondary School officially launched its countdown campaign on Tuesday, 7 July, bringing together the Class of 2026 in the school hall for an afternoon of reflection, encouragement and renewed commitment to academic success.

The programme marked the beginning of the final stretch towards the matric examinations, reminding learners that every lesson attended, every page studied and every decision made over the next 100 days will contribute to their final results. Throughout the event, learners were encouraged to remain focused, plan their time wisely and support one another as they prepare for one of the most important milestones of their school careers.

A defining moment of the programme came as Principal Mrs Gcabashe led the Class of 2026 in the school's newly introduced 100-Day Daily Affirmations. During a candle-lighting ceremony, learners collectively affirmed their commitment to discipline, resilience and excellence, declaring: "We are the Class of 2026. We are focused. We are determined. We are resilient. We will work hard, support one another, and make Ullovu Secondary School proud. We believe in ourselves, and we will succeed." Each learner also received a printed copy of the affirmations, which they were encouraged to display in their study spaces and recite every day throughout the examination countdown.

The school also welcomed Mrs Ndlovu, a parent, who shared a message of encouragement with the matric class before leading them in prayer and a declaration over the final 100 days. Her message reminded learners that they do not walk the journey alone and encouraged them to place their trust in God while remaining committed to their responsibilities.

Learners also took ownership of the programme by motivating their classmates through a series of peer addresses centred on planning, perseverance and self-belief. One of the speakers, Owami Khoza, challenged the class to approach the next 100 days with determination, repeatedly declaring, "I will. I can. I must." Reflecting on the journey ahead, she reminded learners that just as a diamond undergoes a process before it shines, success is achieved through preparation, discipline and consistent hard work. She also expressed appreciation to the school's teachers for their continued commitment to supporting the matric class.

Addressing her fellow learners, Owami Vezi urged the Class of 2026 to recognise that their future depends on the choices they make today. Quoting the words, "The future depends on what you do today, not tomorrow, not next week, but today," she encouraged learners to make every day count. She further challenged the popular saying that pressure creates diamonds, arguing instead that pressure reveals what people are truly made of. Encouraging unity among the class, she reminded learners that while one may go fast alone, lasting success is often achieved together. She concluded by encouraging every learner to leave a legacy, saying history remembers those who tried, not those who almost did.

Another learner, Mr Stokwe, reminded his peers that while they may come from different backgrounds, they all have the opportunity to change their circumstances through education. He challenged the matric class to remain focused despite the social and economic realities many face at home, noting that some learners dream of one day buying a refrigerator for their families, while others have the opportunity to become the first in their bloodline to obtain a matric certificate. His message encouraged learners to see education as a tool for breaking barriers and creating a different future for themselves and their families.

As the countdown to the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations officially begins, Ullovu Secondary School continues to invest in initiatives that strengthen learner confidence, promote academic excellence and inspire resilience. The next 100 days now stand as an opportunity for every member of the Class of 2026 to turn preparation into performance and determination into success.