Sepedi Home Language (HL) Grade 12 Exam Guidelines and Scope for 2026: To achieve top marks in Sepedi Home Language (HL) for the 2026 academic year, learners must demonstrate high-level linguistic proficiency, literary insight, and creative expression. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is yet to be released, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive roadmap for your preparation.
The Sepedi HL curriculum focuses on three core pillars: Language in Context, Literature, and Creative Writing. Success requires a balance between mastering grammatical structures and developing a deep critical understanding of prescribed texts.
Download Sepedi HL Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Prepare for the 2026 exams with the official guidelines and literature support:
- Download Home Languages Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Sepedi HL)
- Download Sepedi HL Literature Study Guide (Mind the Gap)
For more resources, past papers, and study notes, visit the My Courses homepage or our Grade 12 Study Resources section.
Paper 1: Leleme le Mošomo (Language in Context)
Duration: 2 Hours | Total Marks: 80
Paper 1 tests your ability to interpret information and apply grammatical rules accurately within a given context.
- Section A: Temogo ya Tekstong (Comprehension) (30 Marks) – Analyzing a written prose text and a visual text (e.g., advertisement or cartoon).
- Section B: Kakaretšo (Summary) (10 Marks) – Summarizing a text into seven core points (approx. 90 words).
- Section C: Ditlabela tša Polelo (Language Structures) (40 Marks) – Contextual testing of vocabulary, grammar (e.g., maintšu, madiri, mahlatse), and critical language awareness.
Paper 2: Dingwalo (Literature)
Duration: 2½ Hours | Total Marks: 80
This paper requires an in-depth understanding of your prescribed Sepedi texts. You must answer questions from three genres: Poetry, Novel, and Drama.
- Section A: Direto (Poetry) (30 Marks) – Analysis of prescribed (seen) and unseen poems. Focus on themes, tone, and figures of speech (dinongo tša polelo).
- Section B: Padi (Novel) (25 Marks) – A choice between a literary essay or contextual questions on the prescribed novel (e.g., Badimo ba wele).
- Section C: Terama (Drama) (25 Marks) – A choice between a literary essay or contextual questions on the prescribed play (e.g., O a tšwa o a tšwa).
Key Literary Elements to Study: | Element | Focus Areas | | :— | :— | | Morero (Theme) | The central message or moral of the work. | | Thulaganyo (Plot) | The sequence of events and conflict resolution. | | Tshwantšho ya baanegwa (Characterization) | Protagonist, antagonist, and character growth. | | Tikologo (Setting) | The time and place and its influence on the story. |
Paper 3: Mongwalo (Writing)
Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 100
Paper 3 is your opportunity to demonstrate your creative and professional writing skills in Sepedi.
- Section A: Taodišo (Essay) (50 Marks) – Write one essay (400–450 words) from a choice of creative, descriptive, or discursive topics.
- Section B: Ditexto tše ditlelele tša tirišano (Longer Transactional) (30 Marks) – Formal/informal letters, speeches, or articles (180–200 words).
- Section C: Ditexto tše dikopana tša tirišano (Shorter Transactional) (20 Marks) – Diary entries, advertisements, or invitations (100–120 words).
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Sepedi Home Language Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that consistency is key. For Paper 1, read Sepedi literature and news to broaden your vocabulary. For Paper 2, ensure you can justify your answers using specific evidence from the text. For Paper 3, focus on your “mosepelwa wa taba” (flow of ideas) and correct use of idioms to grab the marker’s attention.
Stay updated on the 2026 matric calendar and find the latest study guides by visiting My Courses.
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