Siswati HL Grade 12 Past Papers: Questions and Answers PDF

This page includes Siswati HL Grade 12 past papers and memos.

Siswati HL Grade 12 is an exam question paper which is divided into:

Paper 1, with a total of 70, written in 2 hours;
Paper 2, with a total of 80, written in 2 hours; and
Paper 3, with a total of 100, written in 3 hours.

The tables below demonstrate how papers are structured:

Paper 1 Exam Topics and Structure:

Sigaba	Libito	Emamarki
SIGABA A	Sivisiso	30
SIGABA B	Sifinyeto	10
SIGABA C	Takhi netimiso tekusetjentiswa kwelulwimi	30

Paper 2 Exam Topics and Structure:

Sigaba	Libito	Emamarki
SIGABA A	Tinkondlo	30
SIGABA B	Inoveli/Temdzabu	25
SIGABA C	Umdlalo	25

Paper 3 Exam Topics and Structure:

Sigaba	Libito	Emamarki
SIGABA A	Indzaba	50
SIGABA B	Ematheksthi emibhalombiko	50

3 papersin the final exam

70 / 80 / 100 marksPaper 1 / 2 / 3

2 hours / 2½ hours / 3 hourswriting time

2020–20267 years of papers

70papers and memos

Exam facts from the DBE November 2025 question papers. See the full exam guide.

Siswati HL Grade 12 Papers

Exam Practice

Siswati HL: Most Common Exam Questions Quiz

Real questions from DBE NSC Siswati Home Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 (2024 to 2025), word for word, with the official memo answers. Multiple choice questions are marked for you. For written questions, work out your answer, open the memo and mark yourself.

Exam Questions

Topics

Papers

NSC Years (2024 to 2025)

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.2

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Ngusiphi sikhungo saHulumende lesavakashelwa nguBukhosi ngalesikhatsi angativa kahle emtimbeni?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.3

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Kubaluleke ngani kutsi kwentiwe lucwaningo lwengati uma sigulane sifika esibhedlela?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Proverbs & Idioms(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Khokha emagama kulesicubulo langadvonsa bantfu labangasebenti bete ngebunyenti batewufundza kulesikolo.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.2

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Bhala YINYE yetindlela tekuchumana lengakabhalwa kulesikhangisi labangayisebentisa labo labafuna kufundza kulesikolo.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.3

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo. Lenkhulumo lelandzelako letsetfwe kuletheksthi iluhobo luni? Labafundze kitsi balandzelwa tinkhulungwane tebatsandzi bemculo emhlabeni wonkhe:

Paper 1Advert Analysis(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.5

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Kubangelwa yini kutsi lapha kuletheksthi kuvetwe labancane bajayiva bese laba labadzala bavetwe bahlabelela? Chaza.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.6

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Ngekwakho kubona ngusiphi sizatfu lesenta kutsi bangativeti tindleko tekufundzela umculo kulesikolo?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Cartoon Analysis(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2

Look at: ITHEKSTHI E

Khokha umusho lonesentakutsi eFREYIMINI ye-1 uwubhale phasi.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Cartoon Analysis(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 4.3

Look at: ITHEKSTHI E

Ngukuphi lokukhomba kutsi labantfu labaseFREYIMINI ye-2 bamangele? Nika KUBILI.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.1

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 1)

Bhala KUNYE lokungumonakalo lowentiwa bantfwana labangakakhuliseki kahle lokutfolakala endzimeni ye-1.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.3

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 2)

Tfola SINYE sizatfu lesivetwe endzimeni ye-2 lesikhombisa kubaluleka kwekwati ngesendlalelomuva sebatali.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.4

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo. Kutsiwa babalelwa kumaphesenti la-61 labahlukunyetiwe:

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.5

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 3)

Bhala KUBILI lokusendzimeni ye-3 lokungazuzwa batali bakusasa uma bakhuliswe kahle.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.6

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 4)

Uma ufundza indzima ye-4, ngutiphi timbangela LETIMBILI letenta kutsi batali babeke imigomo nemibandzela emakhaya?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.7

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Nguyiphi imitamo yahulumende levikela kuhlukunyetwa kwebantfwana emakhaya levetwe kuletheksthi? Nika MIBILI.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.8

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Ucabanga kutsi nguwuphi umtselela wekutsi batali banganiki bantfwana litfuba lekucoca nabo uma banetinkinga? Chaza.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Lefonti yalesicubulo ibaluleke ngani kulabatsengisi?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.2

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Lenkhulumo lekunombolo ye-5 ihhunga ngayiphi indlela?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.3

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo. Lenkhulumo letsi: 'Awuphindzi utsenge umhlobiso endlini yakho'.

Paper 1Proverbs & Idioms(1 mark)

NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 5.2

Read first: ITHEKSTHI F (the words being asked about are highlighted)

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo kuletilandzelako: Lesaga lesitsi: 'Insakavukela kugezwa kwemehlo' sichaza umsebenti lowentiwa …

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.1

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo. Kutikhobosa kuchaza kutibukela ...

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.3

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 2)

Nika SINYE sizatfu lesisendzimeni ye-2 lesifakazela kutsi lomsebenti wasemakhaya awubandlululi muntfu.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.4

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Kudzingeke ngani kutsi bantfu labasebentela khashane bacashe bantfu labatawuhlala nabo nawubuka lokwenteka emmangweni kuletinsuku?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.5

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Yini lebangele kutsi umbhali waletheksthi afanise labasebenti basemakhaya nebahlengikati? Nika KUBILI.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.6

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 5)

Ngutiphi tintfo letisendzimeni ye-5 kuletheksthi letikhombisa kutsi labasebenti basemakhaya abenti umsebenti labacashelwe wona kuphela? Bhala TIMBILI.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.7

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 5)

Uma ufundzisisa letheksthi endzimeni ye-5, kubaluleke ngani kutsi basebenti basemakhaya bafundziswe babuye baceceshwe ngibo bacashi babo? Nika KUBILI.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D (the words being asked about are highlighted)

Lenkhulumo letsi, 'Letsa timphahla sikuphungulele umtfwalo', ingaba namtselela muni kulabafuna kuwashelwa?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.3

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D (the words being asked about are highlighted)

Sebentisa ligama, 'umtfwalo', emshweni lichaze inshokutsi leyehlukile kunalelevetwe kulesikhangisi.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(2 marks)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.4

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Lenkhulumo lekunombolo ye-3 kulesikhangisi iyimfundzisolite ngani? Chaza.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Language Structures(1 mark)

NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 5.1

Read first: ITHEKSTHI F

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo: Lomusho lolandzelako ukuyiphi indlela yesento? Kufundzisa labasha imisebenti yetandla ngiko lokutawucedza buphuya kulendzawo:

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.1

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Phambilini beyisetjentiselwani i-inthanethi?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.2

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo. Kuhlangana netimbila titfutsa kusho:

Paper 1Comprehension(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.3

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (full passage)

Kungani livekati le-Afrika lente imitamo yekutsi kufundvwe nge- inthanethi?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Comprehension(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.1.5

Read first: ITHEKSTHI A (paragraph 2)

Ngukuphi LOKUBILI lokusendzimeni ye-2 lokujabulisa bafundzi labadla imbuya ngelutsi ngale-inthanethi?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Khokha inkhulumo lenelibitombici kulesikhangisi uyibhale phasi.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.2

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Sicubulo salesikhangisi sibahhunga njani batsengi?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Advert Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.4

Look at: ITHEKSTHI D

Kungani lenkhulumo lelandzelako kutsiwe iyimfundzisolite? Kunatsa inkomishi yinye nje ngeke ungenwe tifo.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Cartoon Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 4.1

Look at: ITHEKSTHI E

Yini lekhombisa kutsi labantfu labaseFREYIMINI ye-1 abakhulumi ngendzaba lejabulisako?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Cartoon Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2

Look at: ITHEKSTHI E

Caphuna inkhulumo lekhombisa kutsatsa luhlangotsi leseFREYIMINI ye-1 uyibhale phasi.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 1Cartoon Analysis(1 mark)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 4.4

Look at: ITHEKSTHI E (the words being asked about are highlighted)

Khetsa YINYE imphendvulo kuletilandzelako? Lenkhulumo letsi, '… yemfati ndzini!':

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 2.1

Read the poem

SENGIBUYILE – ZP Masango

1Sengibuyile mntfwanaketfu,
2Ngicel' ungemukele ngaletimhlophe,
3Ulibale ngetayitolo s'tsandvwa sami,
4Ngitinikela kuwe nginje,
5Ngimanikiniki njengendvodzana
6Yelulahleko eBhayibhelini.
7Ngibabonile, ngabeva bangibongelela,
8Ngetibongelelo letehla kamnandzi,
9Kodvwa kimi konkhe loko,
10Kuye kwafana nelite.
11Bebangikhomba buhle, bangijikisa
12Kulo lonkhe leli leMvelinchanti,
13Bangitfobela sengatsi ngiyinkhosi,
14Kodvwa konkhe kufane nelite.
15Lamuhla sengikhetse kubuyela kuwe,
16Ngobe takho tandla tiyangitfokomalisa,
17Sengilungele kuluhamba loluhambo,
18Ngihlome ngetikhali tenhlakanipho,
19Netikhali tekuhlonipha labanye,
20Labaseceleni kwemphilo yami.
21Ngiphe kutfokomala,
22Ungembatsise leyo ngubo,
23Sengibuyile, ngembatsise leyo ngubo,
24Ngive loko kufutfumala,
25Sengibuyile kutsi sibenyamanye,
26Ube lubhambo lwami,
27Ngemukele, sihlale ngekuthula.

Luhlobo luni lwesinongo senkhulumo lesivetwa ngumugca we-2? Usho ngani?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 2.3

Read the poem

SENGIBUYILE – ZP Masango

1Sengibuyile mntfwanaketfu,
2Ngicel' ungemukele ngaletimhlophe,
3Ulibale ngetayitolo s'tsandvwa sami,
4Ngitinikela kuwe nginje,
5Ngimanikiniki njengendvodzana
6Yelulahleko eBhayibhelini.
7Ngibabonile, ngabeva bangibongelela,
8Ngetibongelelo letehla kamnandzi,
9Kodvwa kimi konkhe loko,
10Kuye kwafana nelite.
11Bebangikhomba buhle, bangijikisa
12Kulo lonkhe leli leMvelinchanti,
13Bangitfobela sengatsi ngiyinkhosi,
14Kodvwa konkhe kufane nelite.
15Lamuhla sengikhetse kubuyela kuwe,
16Ngobe takho tandla tiyangitfokomalisa,
17Sengilungele kuluhamba loluhambo,
18Ngihlome ngetikhali tenhlakanipho,
19Netikhali tekuhlonipha labanye,
20Labaseceleni kwemphilo yami.
21Ngiphe kutfokomala,
22Ungembatsise leyo ngubo,
23Sengibuyile, ngembatsise leyo ngubo,
24Ngive loko kufutfumala,
25Sengibuyile kutsi sibenyamanye,
26Ube lubhambo lwami,
27Ngemukele, sihlale ngekuthula.

Luhlobo luni lwenkondlo lolu? Usho ngani?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 2.4

Read the poem

SENGIBUYILE – ZP Masango

1Sengibuyile mntfwanaketfu,
2Ngicel' ungemukele ngaletimhlophe,
3Ulibale ngetayitolo s'tsandvwa sami,
4Ngitinikela kuwe nginje,
5Ngimanikiniki njengendvodzana
6Yelulahleko eBhayibhelini.
7Ngibabonile, ngabeva bangibongelela,
8Ngetibongelelo letehla kamnandzi,
9Kodvwa kimi konkhe loko,
10Kuye kwafana nelite.
11Bebangikhomba buhle, bangijikisa
12Kulo lonkhe leli leMvelinchanti,
13Bangitfobela sengatsi ngiyinkhosi,
14Kodvwa konkhe kufane nelite.
15Lamuhla sengikhetse kubuyela kuwe,
16Ngobe takho tandla tiyangitfokomalisa,
17Sengilungele kuluhamba loluhambo,
18Ngihlome ngetikhali tenhlakanipho,
19Netikhali tekuhlonipha labanye,
20Labaseceleni kwemphilo yami.
21Ngiphe kutfokomala,
22Ungembatsise leyo ngubo,
23Sengibuyile, ngembatsise leyo ngubo,
24Ngive loko kufutfumala,
25Sengibuyile kutsi sibenyamanye,
26Ube lubhambo lwami,
27Ngemukele, sihlale ngekuthula.

Phawula ngesifundvo sonkondlo lasetfulela tetsamelilwati talenkondlo.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 2.5

Read the poem

SENGIBUYILE – ZP Masango

1Sengibuyile mntfwanaketfu,
2Ngicel' ungemukele ngaletimhlophe,
3Ulibale ngetayitolo s'tsandvwa sami,
4Ngitinikela kuwe nginje,
5Ngimanikiniki njengendvodzana
6Yelulahleko eBhayibhelini.
7Ngibabonile, ngabeva bangibongelela,
8Ngetibongelelo letehla kamnandzi,
9Kodvwa kimi konkhe loko,
10Kuye kwafana nelite.
11Bebangikhomba buhle, bangijikisa
12Kulo lonkhe leli leMvelinchanti,
13Bangitfobela sengatsi ngiyinkhosi,
14Kodvwa konkhe kufane nelite.
15Lamuhla sengikhetse kubuyela kuwe,
16Ngobe takho tandla tiyangitfokomalisa,
17Sengilungele kuluhamba loluhambo,
18Ngihlome ngetikhali tenhlakanipho,
19Netikhali tekuhlonipha labanye,
20Labaseceleni kwemphilo yami.
21Ngiphe kutfokomala,
22Ungembatsise leyo ngubo,
23Sengibuyile, ngembatsise leyo ngubo,
24Ngive loko kufutfumala,
25Sengibuyile kutsi sibenyamanye,
26Ube lubhambo lwami,
27Ngemukele, sihlale ngekuthula.

Sonkondlo uphumelele yini kwetfulela tetsamelilwati ingcikitsi yalenkondlo? Sekela imphendvulo yakho.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 3.1

Read the poem

NGIBOSHIWE – FC Nkosi

1Ngiboshwe tandla netinyawo,
2Ngivalwe umlomo netindlebe,
3Ngoba noma ngingakhuluma akuvakali,
4Ngitjelwa ngemalungelo mihla le,
5Ngifuntwe emalungelo onkhe mihla le.
6Ngiboshwe kuwami umuti,
7Ngiboshwe kuyami intalo,
8Bami bantfwana bangibophile,
9Ngisiboshwa engatini yami,
10Nangijezisa kutsiwa ngiyahlukumeta.
11Liyafa laNgwane sibukile,
12Siyaphela sive sihlahle emehlo,
13Kantsi kukhale nyonini,
14Ingani lugotjwa lusemanti …
15Banemanga yini nabatsi
16Libunjwa liseva?
17Kutawuba ngiko nakunje?
18Nangakha ngemiyalo yabogogo
19Kutsiwa ngisidzala, ngigugile
20Bebangekho ebusheni bami,
21Bona badla busha babo,
22Lobu lebabucedza ebhodleleni?
23Naso sive sishona,
24Nalo live libhubha,
25Liyawuphatfwa bobani nakunje,
26Kufa kwemndeni kufa kwemmango,
27Kufa kwemmango kufa kwesive,
28Nalo liphelela etandleni ngilibukile,
29Ngoba vele ngiboshiwe.

Bhala bunkondlo lobuvetwa ngumugca we-1 newe-2. Sekela imphendvulo yakho.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 3.2

Read the poem

NGIBOSHIWE – FC Nkosi

1Ngiboshwe tandla netinyawo,
2Ngivalwe umlomo netindlebe,
3Ngoba noma ngingakhuluma akuvakali,
4Ngitjelwa ngemalungelo mihla le,
5Ngifuntwe emalungelo onkhe mihla le.
6Ngiboshwe kuwami umuti,
7Ngiboshwe kuyami intalo,
8Bami bantfwana bangibophile,
9Ngisiboshwa engatini yami,
10Nangijezisa kutsiwa ngiyahlukumeta.
11Liyafa laNgwane sibukile,
12Siyaphela sive sihlahle emehlo,
13Kantsi kukhale nyonini,
14Ingani lugotjwa lusemanti …
15Banemanga yini nabatsi
16Libunjwa liseva?
17Kutawuba ngiko nakunje?
18Nangakha ngemiyalo yabogogo
19Kutsiwa ngisidzala, ngigugile
20Bebangekho ebusheni bami,
21Bona badla busha babo,
22Lobu lebabucedza ebhodleleni?
23Naso sive sishona,
24Nalo live libhubha,
25Liyawuphatfwa bobani nakunje,
26Kufa kwemndeni kufa kwemmango,
27Kufa kwemmango kufa kwesive,
28Nalo liphelela etandleni ngilibukile,
29Ngoba vele ngiboshiwe.

Luhlobo luni lwesifanamsindvo lesisemgceni we-8 kulenkondlo? Usho ngani?

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 3.4

Read the poem

NGIBOSHIWE – FC Nkosi

1Ngiboshwe tandla netinyawo,
2Ngivalwe umlomo netindlebe,
3Ngoba noma ngingakhuluma akuvakali,
4Ngitjelwa ngemalungelo mihla le,
5Ngifuntwe emalungelo onkhe mihla le.
6Ngiboshwe kuwami umuti,
7Ngiboshwe kuyami intalo,
8Bami bantfwana bangibophile,
9Ngisiboshwa engatini yami,
10Nangijezisa kutsiwa ngiyahlukumeta.
11Liyafa laNgwane sibukile,
12Siyaphela sive sihlahle emehlo,
13Kantsi kukhale nyonini,
14Ingani lugotjwa lusemanti …
15Banemanga yini nabatsi
16Libunjwa liseva?
17Kutawuba ngiko nakunje?
18Nangakha ngemiyalo yabogogo
19Kutsiwa ngisidzala, ngigugile
20Bebangekho ebusheni bami,
21Bona badla busha babo,
22Lobu lebabucedza ebhodleleni?
23Naso sive sishona,
24Nalo live libhubha,
25Liyawuphatfwa bobani nakunje,
26Kufa kwemndeni kufa kwemmango,
27Kufa kwemmango kufa kwesive,
28Nalo liphelela etandleni ngilibukile,
29Ngoba vele ngiboshiwe.

Sonkondlo usisebentise ngemphumelelo yini lesimeleli lesisendzimeni yesine emgceni we-22? Chaza.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Paper 2Poetry(2 marks)

NSC November 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 3.5

Read the poem

NGIBOSHIWE – FC Nkosi

1Ngiboshwe tandla netinyawo,
2Ngivalwe umlomo netindlebe,
3Ngoba noma ngingakhuluma akuvakali,
4Ngitjelwa ngemalungelo mihla le,
5Ngifuntwe emalungelo onkhe mihla le.
6Ngiboshwe kuwami umuti,
7Ngiboshwe kuyami intalo,
8Bami bantfwana bangibophile,
9Ngisiboshwa engatini yami,
10Nangijezisa kutsiwa ngiyahlukumeta.
11Liyafa laNgwane sibukile,
12Siyaphela sive sihlahle emehlo,
13Kantsi kukhale nyonini,
14Ingani lugotjwa lusemanti …
15Banemanga yini nabatsi
16Libunjwa liseva?
17Kutawuba ngiko nakunje?
18Nangakha ngemiyalo yabogogo
19Kutsiwa ngisidzala, ngigugile
20Bebangekho ebusheni bami,
21Bona badla busha babo,
22Lobu lebabucedza ebhodleleni?
23Naso sive sishona,
24Nalo live libhubha,
25Liyawuphatfwa bobani nakunje,
26Kufa kwemndeni kufa kwemmango,
27Kufa kwemmango kufa kwesive,
28Nalo liphelela etandleni ngilibukile,
29Ngoba vele ngiboshiwe.

Phawula ngemoya lovetwa ngulenkondlo lengenhla.

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.

Tip: press A–D to answer multiple choice, → for the next question.

Find a paper

2027

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Papers coming soon
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Papers coming soon

2026

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Siswati HL P1 May June 2026 PDF, 2.1 MB Siswati HL P1 May June 2026 MG PDF, 463 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2026 MG PDF, 597 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2026 PDF, 670 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2026 MG PDF, 476 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2026 PDF, 966 KB
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Papers coming soon

2025

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Siswati HL P1 May June 2025 PDF, 1.4 MB Siswati HL P1 May June 2025 MG PDF, 441 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2025 PDF, 631 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2025 MG PDF, 606 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2025 PDF, 1.1 MB Siswati HL P3 May June 2025 MG PDF, 567 KB
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Siswati HL P1 Nov 2025 PDF, 2 MB Siswati HL P1 Nov 2025 MG PDF, 486 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2025 PDF, 712 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2025 MG PDF, 364 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2025 PDF, 2.3 MB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2025 MG PDF, 491 KB

2024

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Siswati HL P1 May June 2024 PDF, 504 KB Siswati HL P1 May June 2024 MG PDF, 270 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2024 PDF, 544 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2024 MG PDF, 374 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2024 PDF, 393 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2024 MG PDF, 290 KB
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Siswati HL P1 Nov 2024 PDF, 661 KB Siswati HL P1 Nov 2024 MG PDF, 268 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2024 PDF, 545 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2024 MG PDF, 352 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2024 PDF, 510 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2024 MG PDF, 308 KB

2023

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Siswati HL P1 May June 2023 PDF, 580 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2023 PDF, 455 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2023 MG PDF, 532 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2023 PDF, 468 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2023 MG PDF, 380 KB
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Siswati HL P1 Nov 2023 PDF, 557 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2023 PDF, 544 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2023 MG PDF, 410 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2023 PDF, 383 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2023 MG PDF, 458 KB

2022

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Siswati HL P1 May June 2022 PDF, 612 KB Siswati HL P1 May June 2022 MG PDF, 263 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2022 PDF, 600 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2022 MG PDF, 478 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2022 PDF, 568 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2022 MG PDF, 302 KB
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Siswati HL P1 Nov 2022 PDF, 865 KB Siswati HL P1 Nov 2022 MG PDF, 362 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2022 PDF, 535 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2022 MG PDF, 386 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2022 PDF, 610 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2022 MG PDF, 461 KB

2021

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Siswati HL P1 May June 2021 PDF, 520 KB Siswati HL P1 May June 2021 MG PDF, 264 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2021 PDF, 526 KB Siswati HL P2 May June 2021 MG PDF, 555 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2021 PDF, 334 KB Siswati HL P3 May June 2021 MG PDF, 375 KB
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Siswati HL P1 Nov 2021 PDF, 379 KB Siswati HL P1 Nov 2021 MG PDF, 362 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2021 PDF, 455 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2021 MG PDF, 398 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2021 PDF, 485 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2021 MG PDF, 415 KB

2020

Term	Download Links
Term 1 (March/April)	Papers coming soon
Term 2 (May/June)	Papers coming soon
Term 3 (August/September)	Papers coming soon
Term 4 (November)	Siswati HL P1 Nov 2020 PDF, 569 KB Siswati HL P1 Nov 2020 Memo PDF, 374 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2020 PDF, 460 KB Siswati HL P2 Nov 2020 Memo PDF, 424 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2020 PDF, 269 KB Siswati HL P3 Nov 2020 Memo PDF, 446 KB

Study Guides

DBE Self Study Guide: CW Siswati PDF, 6 MB
DBE Self Study Guide: Siswati PDF, 6 MB

Siswati HL Grade 12 Exam Guide

How the final Siswati HL exam is set out, taken from the cover and instruction pages of the DBE November 2025 question papers.

Siswati HL Paper 1

70 marks
2 hours
15 pages
November 2025

Section	What it covers	Marks	Suggested time
A	Comprehension (Sivisiso)	30	50 min
B	Summary (Sifinyeto)	10	30 min
C	Language Structures and Conventions (Takhi netimiso tekusetjentiswa kwelulwimi)	30	40 min

Instructions on the paper

This paper consists of THREE sections.
Read ALL the instructions carefully.
Answer ALL the questions in Siswati.
Start EACH section on a NEW page.
Draw a line after each section.
Pay attention to spelling and sentence construction.

Siswati HL Paper 2

80 marks
2½ hours
28 pages
November 2025

Section	What it covers	Marks	Suggested time
A	Poetry (Tinkondlo)Two prescribed poems + the compulsory unseen poem	30	40 min
B	Novel/Folklore (Inoveli/Temdzabu)Answer ONE question	25	55 min
C	Drama (Umdlalo)Answer ONE question	25	55 min

Section A: answer TWO prescribed-poem questions and the compulsory unseen poem; Sections B and C: ONE question each, one essay and one short across the two

Instructions on the paper

Read the instructions carefully before you start answering.
Do not read the whole paper; use the contents page to mark questions on the books you studied this year.
Answer FIVE questions in all: THREE in Section A, ONE in Section B and ONE in Section C.
Answer ONE essay question and ONE short-questions question across Sections B and C.
Poetry essay answer: 190-240 words; novel/folklore and drama essay answers: 340-390 words.
Start EACH section on a NEW page.

Siswati HL Paper 3

100 marks
3 hours
6 pages
November 2025

Section	What it covers	Marks	Suggested time
A	Essay (Indzaba)Answer ONE question	50	100 min
B	Ematheksthi emibhalombikoAnswer TWO questions (2 x 25)	50	80 min

Section A: answer ONE essay topic; Section B: answer TWO texts (2 x 25)

Instructions on the paper

This paper consists of TWO sections.
Answer ONE question in Section A and TWO in Section B.
Write ALL answers in Siswati.
Start EACH section on a NEW page.
Plan (e.g. mind map, diagram, flow chart) and correct your work; start with the plan before writing.
The title is not counted in the word count.

Siswati HL Grade 12 Questions and Answers

How many papers do you write for Siswati HL in Grade 12?

3 papers: Paper 1 (70 marks, 2 hours), Paper 2 (80 marks, 2½ hours) and Paper 3 (100 marks, 3 hours). These facts are from the DBE November 2025 question papers.

What is in Siswati HL Paper 1?

In the November 2025 paper: Section A: Comprehension (30 marks); Section B: Summary (10 marks); Section C: Language Structures and Conventions (30 marks).

What is in Siswati HL Paper 2?

In the November 2025 paper: Section A: Poetry (30 marks); Section B: Novel/Folklore (25 marks); Section C: Drama (25 marks). Section A: answer TWO prescribed-poem questions and the compulsory unseen poem; Sections B and C: ONE question each, one essay and one short across the two.

What is in Siswati HL Paper 3?

In the November 2025 paper: Section A: Essay (50 marks); Section B: Ematheksthi emibhalombiko (50 marks). Section A: answer ONE essay topic; Section B: answer TWO texts (2 x 25).

How long is the Siswati HL question paper?

In November 2025, Paper 1 had 15 pages, Paper 2 had 28 pages and Paper 3 had 6 pages.

Which Siswati HL past papers are on this page?

70 files from 2020 to 2026, covering the June and November exams. They are listed by year and term above, and each one opens as a PDF.

Are the Siswati HL memos included?

Yes. 34 of the files are memos (marking guidelines). Each memo is listed next to its question paper.

Is there a Siswati HL practice quiz?

Yes. The exam questions quiz on this page has 48 questions taken word for word from real DBE Siswati HL papers. The memo answer shows after you try each question.

Recent Posts

Geography Grade 12 examination guidelines 2026

Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines - Scope 2026

Hospitality Studies Grade 12 Exam Guidelines - Scope 2026

Siswati HL

Siswati HL Grade 12 Papers

Siswati HL: Most Common Exam Questions Quiz

2027

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

Study Guides

Siswati HL Grade 12 Exam Guide

Siswati HL Paper 1

Siswati HL Paper 2

Siswati HL Paper 3

Siswati HL Grade 12 Questions and Answers

How many papers do you write for Siswati HL in Grade 12?

What is in Siswati HL Paper 1?

What is in Siswati HL Paper 2?

What is in Siswati HL Paper 3?

How long is the Siswati HL question paper?

Which Siswati HL past papers are on this page?

Are the Siswati HL memos included?

Is there a Siswati HL practice quiz?