Pretoria - Northern Cape Social Development MEC Alvin Botes has called on parents of learners who did not succeed in the 2011 matric examinations to support and encourage them.
Botes also suggested these learners seek counselling services.
"We would like to especially emphasise to them that failure to pass by no means spells the end of the world for them and that resorting to committing suicide should not be an option that they consider in dealing with heartache," he said.
"Failing does not mean the end to a teen's future before it even starts - failure can be a great opportunity to learn and develop on the way to success."
Botes said parents should show love and guidance and be supportive without being judgmental in such cases.
"We are all good at different things and your child may not be an ace at Maths like you were, but may be a brilliant artist."
He said it was important that parents assist and support their children during this time and to make them aware that not all is lost.
He advised learners to get their results directly from the school as newspapers were not always reliable.
"As MEC, I would like to extend an invitation to everyone dealing with this and who is going through this difficult phase in their lives and the lives of their loved ones, to immediately seek help."
The Department of Social Development will assist all matriculants and their parents to deal with the disappointment of failing and the emotions that go with it.
