DBE advertises crisis lines for stressed Matric students

The 2026 Matric class is deep into the final examination season, with week two of the schedule about to come to a close soon. With these exams being arguably the most stressful time for these young people, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has shared some lifelines.

In a post on social media, the DBE acknowledges the difficulty of the exams, before sharing a short message and an infographic pointing to a trio of organisations which accept calls to deal with such problems.

“[National Senior Certificate (NSC) 2026 | YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. Dear matriculants, we know this journey comes with pressure, expectations and big dreams. But remember, you do not have to carry it all alone. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, and it is okay to ask for help. Your mental well-being matters just as much as your success. Take a deep breath. You are doing your best, and that is enough,” the department writes.

“If you feel overwhelmed, sad, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, reach out and talk to someone you trust, a teacher at your school, a Learner Support Agent, a Child and Youth Care Worker, or contact one of the following organisations for support,”

The department then points to three organisations and their contact information. To expand on what the department has provided, we have also added in the organisations’ “about us” description, as well as additional contact options that each have listed on their respective sites.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

SADAG is South Africa’s premier Mental Health non-governmental organisation, dedicated to providing free, accessible support, resources, and education to individuals and communities nationwide. For over 30 years, SADAG has served as a lifeline for millions of South Africans, helping those struggling with Mental Health challenges, emotional distress, and crisis situations.

• Phone (suicide crisis helpline, available 24/7): 0800 567 567,

• Phone (Cipla mental healthy helpline, available 24/7): 0800 456 789,

• Phone (substance abuse helpline), available 24/7): 0800 121 314,

• SMS (available 24/7): 31393,

• WhatsApp (Cipla chat line, 08:00 to 17:00): 076 882 2772,

• WhatsApp (Maybelline BraveTogether, 08:00 to 17:00): 087 163 2030,

• Website:

  [click or tap here]

  .

Childline South Africa

The helpline enables our counsellors to listen to thousands of children throughout the country to help them understand what they feel. Listening and helping also makes it possible to involve children and young people in planning their own futures and by recording and publishing their views and wishes to influence the lives of many more who are unable to talk on their own behalf. Through the medium of the telephone we gain unique access to the lives and stories children and young people, while providing them with something special – a service that is truly their own.

• Phone (toll free and available 24/7): 116,

• Online Counselling Chatrooms (Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00):

  [click or tap here]

  ,

• Website:

  [click or tap here]

  .

Lifeline South Africa

In the 1960′s, Alan Walker a Protestant clergyman, received a telephone call from a Roy Brown, a man who was so desperate that he said he had written a letter, outlining his intention to commit suicide. The minister arranged to met him the following Tuesday, but before the meeting could take place, he learned that Roy Brown had committed suicide. It was then that Alan Walker decided to start a telephone service that would offer support and hope to those in distress. LifeLine came into being in Sydney, in 1963. The Rev. George Irvine, and The Rev. Paul Welsh started LifeLine Ekurhuleni (East Rand) in Benoni in 1970.

• Phone (available 24/7): 011 422 4242 or 0861 322 322,

• Email: [email protected],

• Website:

  [click or tap here]

  .

[Image – CC Htc Erl from Pixabay]

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