​Lwanda Lloyd & Qaqambile Mdledle​​
Its crunch time for the 2020 matriculants, with less than 24 hours to go before they start writing their final exams on Thursday 05 October 2020.This year's exams take place in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic and under unusual circumstances, with Gauteng set to have the largest number of candidates (235 975) sitting for the National Senior Certificate examination.
GautengOnline took to the streets to find out if learners were ready for this year's exams.
Buhle Mdledle, (17) from Kenilworth Secondary School in Joburg South, said: "I feel we have had ample time to finish the syllabus and do revision. While it is not how I expected my matric year to be, I am ready to give it my all. 
"I revise for about three to five hours after school, and spend five hours on revision during weekends".
Lihle Miya (19) from St Endas Secondary School, Joburg CBD, was not so confident, saying he felt the lockdown robbed him of his Maths teacher's assistance in preparing for his exam as he could not meet with his teacher during the lockdown.
''Since our final examinations will commence on Thursday,  05 November 2020, I don't know if I will pass or fail but I am trying my level best to grasp as much  information as I can," said Miya.  
Diren Naidoo (18) from Lenasia High School in Joburg South, said he is ready as ever for his final examination because his parents are also teachers in the same school where he studied.
"I have access to internet, my own laptop and tablet. My mom downloaded past papers for me and I was also watching videos on YouTube of tutors explaining content in our syllabus''.