This page includes Xitsonga HL Grade 12 past papers and memos.
Xitsonga HL (Ririmi Ra Le Kaya) Grade 12 exam question paper is divided into 3 parts, written on different days:
- Paper 1: 70 marks, written for 2 hrs
- Paper 2: 80 marks, written for 2 and a half hours
- Paper 3: 100 marks, written for 3 hours
Paper 1 Exam Topics and Marks Allocation:
| Xiyenge | Nhlokomhaka | Timaraka |
| XIYENGE XA A | Xikambelantwisiso | 30 |
| XIYENGE XA B | Nkomiso | 10 |
| XIYENGE XA C | Swiaki na milawu ya matirhiselo ya ririmi | 30 |
Paper 2 Exam Topics and Marks Allocation:
| Xiyenge | Nhlokomhaka | Timaraka |
| XIYENGE XA A | Vutlhokovetseri | 30 |
| XIYENGE XA B | Novhele/Mfuwo wa rixaka | 25 |
| XIYENGE XA C | Ntlangu | 25 |
Paper 3 Exam Topics and Marks Allocation:
| Xiyenge | Nhlokomhaka | Timaraka |
| XIYENGE XA A | Xitsalwana | 50 |
| XIYENGE XA B | Xitshuriwa xa xitsalwambiko | 50 |
Exam facts from the DBE November 2025 question papers. See the full exam guide.
Xitsonga HL Grade 12 Papers
Xitsonga HL: Most Common Exam Questions Quiz
Real questions from DBE NSC Xitsonga Home Language papers (2023 to 2025), word for word, with the official memo answers. Multiple choice questions are marked for you. For written questions, think of your answer, open the memo and mark yourself.
49
Exam Questions
6
Topics
2
Papers
3
NSC Years (2023 to 2025)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 1.2
Read first: XITSHURIWA XA A (ndzimana ya 2) (the words being asked about are highlighted)

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 1.11
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 1.12
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 1.13
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA D

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 3.6
As printed in the paper (look at the word in bold)

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 4.1
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA E

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA E

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2023 · Paper 1 · Question 5.6
Read first: XITSHURIWA XA F

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.11
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.12
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.13
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA D

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.6
As printed in the paper (look at the word in bold)

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA E

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 4.6
As printed in the paper (look at the word in bold)

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Mukamberiwa u kuma timaraka NTSENA loko a tsarile xivulwa hi ku
hetiseka.)
NSC May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 5.1
As printed in the paper (look at the word in bold)

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.2
Read first: XITSHURIWA XA A (ndzimana ya 1) (the words being asked about are highlighted)

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.12
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.13
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Amukela na man'wana maveketelelo lama twisisekaka.)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 1.14
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Amukela na man'wana maveketelelo lama twisisekaka.)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA D

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA E

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 1 · Question 5.3
Read first: XITSHURIWA XA F

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.11
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Mukamberiwa u ta kuma timaraka timbirhi loko a hlamurile leswi nga eka
xifaniso hi ku hetiseka.)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.12
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Amukela na tin'wana tinhlamulo leti twisisekaka.)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.13
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Amukela na man'wana maveketelelo lama twisisekaka.)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.1
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA D

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.6
As printed in the paper (look at the word in bold)

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA E

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 4.6
As printed in the paper (look at the word in bold)

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Mukamberiwa u kuma timaraka NTSENA loko a tsarile xivulwa hi ku hetiseka.)
NSC May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 5.3
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.12
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 1.14
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA B

Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Amukela na man'wana maveketelelo lama twisisekaka.)
NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 3.2
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA D

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2025 · Paper 1 · Question 4.2
Look at: XITSHURIWA XA E

Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 2.1
Read the poem
NKUWA – MA Khosa
- 1Lowu nkuwa wu ma rhwele makuwa,
- 2Rhavi rin'wana na rin'wana hi wona ntsena,
- 3Ni swinembeletana swa wona hi wona ntsena,
- 4Ku tshwuka ka nkuwa lowu hi nga vuli kona!
- 5Wu phomisa ni marha ku wu keluta kunene ntsena.
- 6Wonge u nga kha u khojeta wa ha ta hi le kule lee!
- 7Ku leha ka nkuwa khoma kwala!
- 8Loko u ehleketa ku khandziya,
- 9Hi rhavi kumbe tshinya,
- 10Matsolo ya dzunga ya gudlagudla.
- 11Timbilu ti banana, kumbe loko a wo tlhuva kunene ke?
- 12Loko ma wela ehansi ritshuri be!
- 13Se u to dya misava?
- 14Se swi nga to yini?
- 15Hikuva makuwa wa ma lava.
- 16Hambileswi wu rhetaka.
- 17Hambileswi wu tlhivaka tilo.
- 18Ringeta u ta kala u swi kota.
- 19Ndzhwalo va ringetela emakatleni.
- 20Loko u lava swo nandziha ringeta.
- 21Ku kuma swona i ku juluka nyuku,
- 22Buku yi vurile tano.
- 23Handlekaswona u ta dya ku vonateka.
- 24Tibuku mihandzu ya tona hi leyo tsokombela.
- 25Ku hlaya tona i tlakula-va-xurhe!
- 26Ku khoma tona na vurhongo byi phaha mpela!
- 27Kambe tiyisela u ta vona wena!
- 28U ta vona mihandzu ya kona,
- 29Yi ta fana ni ya nkuwa walowu u wu vonaka kwala mahlweni ka wena.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 2.2
Read the poem
NKUWA – MA Khosa
- 1Lowu nkuwa wu ma rhwele makuwa,
- 2Rhavi rin'wana na rin'wana hi wona ntsena,
- 3Ni swinembeletana swa wona hi wona ntsena,
- 4Ku tshwuka ka nkuwa lowu hi nga vuli kona!
- 5Wu phomisa ni marha ku wu keluta kunene ntsena.
- 6Wonge u nga kha u khojeta wa ha ta hi le kule lee!
- 7Ku leha ka nkuwa khoma kwala!
- 8Loko u ehleketa ku khandziya,
- 9Hi rhavi kumbe tshinya,
- 10Matsolo ya dzunga ya gudlagudla.
- 11Timbilu ti banana, kumbe loko a wo tlhuva kunene ke?
- 12Loko ma wela ehansi ritshuri be!
- 13Se u to dya misava?
- 14Se swi nga to yini?
- 15Hikuva makuwa wa ma lava.
- 16Hambileswi wu rhetaka.
- 17Hambileswi wu tlhivaka tilo.
- 18Ringeta u ta kala u swi kota.
- 19Ndzhwalo va ringetela emakatleni.
- 20Loko u lava swo nandziha ringeta.
- 21Ku kuma swona i ku juluka nyuku,
- 22Buku yi vurile tano.
- 23Handlekaswona u ta dya ku vonateka.
- 24Tibuku mihandzu ya tona hi leyo tsokombela.
- 25Ku hlaya tona i tlakula-va-xurhe!
- 26Ku khoma tona na vurhongo byi phaha mpela!
- 27Kambe tiyisela u ta vona wena!
- 28U ta vona mihandzu ya kona,
- 29Yi ta fana ni ya nkuwa walowu u wu vonaka kwala mahlweni ka wena.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 2.3
Read the poem
NKUWA – MA Khosa
- 1Lowu nkuwa wu ma rhwele makuwa,
- 2Rhavi rin'wana na rin'wana hi wona ntsena,
- 3Ni swinembeletana swa wona hi wona ntsena,
- 4Ku tshwuka ka nkuwa lowu hi nga vuli kona!
- 5Wu phomisa ni marha ku wu keluta kunene ntsena.
- 6Wonge u nga kha u khojeta wa ha ta hi le kule lee!
- 7Ku leha ka nkuwa khoma kwala!
- 8Loko u ehleketa ku khandziya,
- 9Hi rhavi kumbe tshinya,
- 10Matsolo ya dzunga ya gudlagudla.
- 11Timbilu ti banana, kumbe loko a wo tlhuva kunene ke?
- 12Loko ma wela ehansi ritshuri be!
- 13Se u to dya misava?
- 14Se swi nga to yini?
- 15Hikuva makuwa wa ma lava.
- 16Hambileswi wu rhetaka.
- 17Hambileswi wu tlhivaka tilo.
- 18Ringeta u ta kala u swi kota.
- 19Ndzhwalo va ringetela emakatleni.
- 20Loko u lava swo nandziha ringeta.
- 21Ku kuma swona i ku juluka nyuku,
- 22Buku yi vurile tano.
- 23Handlekaswona u ta dya ku vonateka.
- 24Tibuku mihandzu ya tona hi leyo tsokombela.
- 25Ku hlaya tona i tlakula-va-xurhe!
- 26Ku khoma tona na vurhongo byi phaha mpela!
- 27Kambe tiyisela u ta vona wena!
- 28U ta vona mihandzu ya kona,
- 29Yi ta fana ni ya nkuwa walowu u wu vonaka kwala mahlweni ka wena.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 2.4
Read the poem
NKUWA – MA Khosa
- 1Lowu nkuwa wu ma rhwele makuwa,
- 2Rhavi rin'wana na rin'wana hi wona ntsena,
- 3Ni swinembeletana swa wona hi wona ntsena,
- 4Ku tshwuka ka nkuwa lowu hi nga vuli kona!
- 5Wu phomisa ni marha ku wu keluta kunene ntsena.
- 6Wonge u nga kha u khojeta wa ha ta hi le kule lee!
- 7Ku leha ka nkuwa khoma kwala!
- 8Loko u ehleketa ku khandziya,
- 9Hi rhavi kumbe tshinya,
- 10Matsolo ya dzunga ya gudlagudla.
- 11Timbilu ti banana, kumbe loko a wo tlhuva kunene ke?
- 12Loko ma wela ehansi ritshuri be!
- 13Se u to dya misava?
- 14Se swi nga to yini?
- 15Hikuva makuwa wa ma lava.
- 16Hambileswi wu rhetaka.
- 17Hambileswi wu tlhivaka tilo.
- 18Ringeta u ta kala u swi kota.
- 19Ndzhwalo va ringetela emakatleni.
- 20Loko u lava swo nandziha ringeta.
- 21Ku kuma swona i ku juluka nyuku,
- 22Buku yi vurile tano.
- 23Handlekaswona u ta dya ku vonateka.
- 24Tibuku mihandzu ya tona hi leyo tsokombela.
- 25Ku hlaya tona i tlakula-va-xurhe!
- 26Ku khoma tona na vurhongo byi phaha mpela!
- 27Kambe tiyisela u ta vona wena!
- 28U ta vona mihandzu ya kona,
- 29Yi ta fana ni ya nkuwa walowu u wu vonaka kwala mahlweni ka wena.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (3 marks)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 2.5
Read the poem
NKUWA – MA Khosa
- 1Lowu nkuwa wu ma rhwele makuwa,
- 2Rhavi rin'wana na rin'wana hi wona ntsena,
- 3Ni swinembeletana swa wona hi wona ntsena,
- 4Ku tshwuka ka nkuwa lowu hi nga vuli kona!
- 5Wu phomisa ni marha ku wu keluta kunene ntsena.
- 6Wonge u nga kha u khojeta wa ha ta hi le kule lee!
- 7Ku leha ka nkuwa khoma kwala!
- 8Loko u ehleketa ku khandziya,
- 9Hi rhavi kumbe tshinya,
- 10Matsolo ya dzunga ya gudlagudla.
- 11Timbilu ti banana, kumbe loko a wo tlhuva kunene ke?
- 12Loko ma wela ehansi ritshuri be!
- 13Se u to dya misava?
- 14Se swi nga to yini?
- 15Hikuva makuwa wa ma lava.
- 16Hambileswi wu rhetaka.
- 17Hambileswi wu tlhivaka tilo.
- 18Ringeta u ta kala u swi kota.
- 19Ndzhwalo va ringetela emakatleni.
- 20Loko u lava swo nandziha ringeta.
- 21Ku kuma swona i ku juluka nyuku,
- 22Buku yi vurile tano.
- 23Handlekaswona u ta dya ku vonateka.
- 24Tibuku mihandzu ya tona hi leyo tsokombela.
- 25Ku hlaya tona i tlakula-va-xurhe!
- 26Ku khoma tona na vurhongo byi phaha mpela!
- 27Kambe tiyisela u ta vona wena!
- 28U ta vona mihandzu ya kona,
- 29Yi ta fana ni ya nkuwa walowu u wu vonaka kwala mahlweni ka wena.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 2.6
Read the poem
NKUWA – MA Khosa
- 1Lowu nkuwa wu ma rhwele makuwa,
- 2Rhavi rin'wana na rin'wana hi wona ntsena,
- 3Ni swinembeletana swa wona hi wona ntsena,
- 4Ku tshwuka ka nkuwa lowu hi nga vuli kona!
- 5Wu phomisa ni marha ku wu keluta kunene ntsena.
- 6Wonge u nga kha u khojeta wa ha ta hi le kule lee!
- 7Ku leha ka nkuwa khoma kwala!
- 8Loko u ehleketa ku khandziya,
- 9Hi rhavi kumbe tshinya,
- 10Matsolo ya dzunga ya gudlagudla.
- 11Timbilu ti banana, kumbe loko a wo tlhuva kunene ke?
- 12Loko ma wela ehansi ritshuri be!
- 13Se u to dya misava?
- 14Se swi nga to yini?
- 15Hikuva makuwa wa ma lava.
- 16Hambileswi wu rhetaka.
- 17Hambileswi wu tlhivaka tilo.
- 18Ringeta u ta kala u swi kota.
- 19Ndzhwalo va ringetela emakatleni.
- 20Loko u lava swo nandziha ringeta.
- 21Ku kuma swona i ku juluka nyuku,
- 22Buku yi vurile tano.
- 23Handlekaswona u ta dya ku vonateka.
- 24Tibuku mihandzu ya tona hi leyo tsokombela.
- 25Ku hlaya tona i tlakula-va-xurhe!
- 26Ku khoma tona na vurhongo byi phaha mpela!
- 27Kambe tiyisela u ta vona wena!
- 28U ta vona mihandzu ya kona,
- 29Yi ta fana ni ya nkuwa walowu u wu vonaka kwala mahlweni ka wena.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
(Amukela na man'wana maveketelelo lama twisisekaka.)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 3.1
Read the poem
VAMANANA VA AFRIKA-DZONGA – ME Mhinga
- 1Timpecani ti dzudzekile,
- 2Ti nyulekile,
- 3Emavokweni,
- 4Ebyongweni,
- 5Eririn'wini,
- 6Emilengeni.
- 7Ha khensa wena Xidemokirasi u nga ti chucha.
- 8Loko Xidemokirasi a nga se yi lamula,
- 9I wansati wa ka mani loyi a titirhela?
- 10Futhi a titirhela ni mitirho leyi a yi yirisiwa no yi khumba kunene loku?
- 11Kasi a yo yiriseriwa mona.
- 12Vuswikoti byi pfaleriwile eswandleni swa yena.
- 13Lebyi loko byi humesiwa sweswi va salaka va tikhomile swilebvu ntsena.
- 14A ta va n'wana wa mani,
- 15Loyi a ta pfumeleriwa ku tirhisa byongo,
- 16Ku ehleketa no pimapima timhaka etikweni a ri waxisati?
- 17Kambe loko ku ri wansati wa n'wana Xidemokirasi,
- 18U pimapima makungu va sala va anhlamisile ni milomo gabaa!
- 19U ba xigandlu makungu ya pasa handle ko dlidlimbetiwa.
- 20Ina, hungu ro huma enon'weni wa wansati a ri bakanyiwa.
- 21Futhi a ri tiveka ri phyama bya nyamatana.
- 22Futhi no tipfala tindleve a va tipfala leswaku va nga ri twi rito rakwe.
- 23Loko o tokolo, a a ta bomodziwa a pfimba nomo lowu!
- 24Kambe ku khensa hi ku tlherisela eka wena Xidemokirasi,
- 25Wena loyi a vekeke rito:
- 26Wansati na yenavu i munhu;
- 27Wa faneriwa hi ku ahlamisavu nomo,
- 28A chulula ta le xifuveni,
- 29Handle ka ku monyiwa.
- 30Rito ra wansati se ra twakalavu,
- 31Ra veka nawu wu landzeleriwa,
- 32Ra ba nhonga ehansi ku alelana no xanisiwa,
- 33Kona loko o za a kolola!
- 34Mhaka yi endleka hi ku copeta ka tihlo,
- 35Malamulele ku ri yena Xidemokirasi.
- 36A wu ta nghena ehubyeni u ri wena mani?
- 37Kambe hi ku Xidemokirasi u yi lamurile,
- 38Wansati na yena wa nghena na yena a humesa vonelo.
- 39Hikuva i ntirho lowu a wu foromeriwile wanuna ntsena.
- 40Kambe Xidemokirasi a swi hangalasela le kule lee!
- 41Sweswi na vaEvha swo nyarhula na swibalesa,
- 42Futhi swi tirha onge mundzuku a swi nga ha tirhi.
- 43Ku fambisa emitirhweni a wu ta swi nyikiwa hi mani?
- 44Hikuva ndhawu ya wena a yi tiveka yi ri exitangeni ntsena.
- 45Kambe namuntlha vanhwanyana swi ba nhonga ehansi,
- 46Meno ya dzadzamela na matsolo ya gudlagudla.
- 47Xitanga xi ta vonaka loko yi chayile.
- 48Loko ri xa ku ya handzeriwa swivondlwana hinkwerhu ka hina.
- 49Namuntlha wansati u ba nhonga ephalamende,
- 50Vakhalabye va mimpandlha va rhurhumela,
- 51Futhi loko swi tikile na nyangwa va kombiwa hi rintiho,
- 52Va ta khawula ku n'wi vonela ebodhleleni.
- 53Hi ri wena Xidemokirasi hi ba mandla,
- 54Hi ku hluvulela xihuku eka nyimpi leyi u yi hluleke,
- 55Loko a ku nga ri wena u goveke 27 wa malembe emakorhweni ya tingwenya,
- 56Hina vavasati a hi ta va hi ri kwihi sweswi?
- 57Meno a va ta va va hi khuvutile khale!
- 58Vavanuna a va tlangela ehenhla ka hina va tiololela eka hina.
- 59Kambe hi ri wanuna a ringeti sweswi!
- 60U ta tisola a lo ba, hi khwiri.
- 61Hi ri u nga rivali ku khensa Xidemokirasi,
- 62Ku va wansati eka leyi Afrika-Dzonga a ka ha ri nkhavi.
- 63Sweswi ntswele yi rhangela tihomu ti ya nwa mati ti tlhela ti kolwa.
- 64Ingi moya waku wu nga wisa hi kurhula Madiba,
- 65U khatsile ndzima ya tindzima yi lo juu!
- 66Se swi le mavokweni ya hina.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (2 marks)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 3.2
Read the poem
VAMANANA VA AFRIKA-DZONGA – ME Mhinga
- 1Timpecani ti dzudzekile,
- 2Ti nyulekile,
- 3Emavokweni,
- 4Ebyongweni,
- 5Eririn'wini,
- 6Emilengeni.
- 7Ha khensa wena Xidemokirasi u nga ti chucha.
- 8Loko Xidemokirasi a nga se yi lamula,
- 9I wansati wa ka mani loyi a titirhela?
- 10Futhi a titirhela ni mitirho leyi a yi yirisiwa no yi khumba kunene loku?
- 11Kasi a yo yiriseriwa mona.
- 12Vuswikoti byi pfaleriwile eswandleni swa yena.
- 13Lebyi loko byi humesiwa sweswi va salaka va tikhomile swilebvu ntsena.
- 14A ta va n'wana wa mani,
- 15Loyi a ta pfumeleriwa ku tirhisa byongo,
- 16Ku ehleketa no pimapima timhaka etikweni a ri waxisati?
- 17Kambe loko ku ri wansati wa n'wana Xidemokirasi,
- 18U pimapima makungu va sala va anhlamisile ni milomo gabaa!
- 19U ba xigandlu makungu ya pasa handle ko dlidlimbetiwa.
- 20Ina, hungu ro huma enon'weni wa wansati a ri bakanyiwa.
- 21Futhi a ri tiveka ri phyama bya nyamatana.
- 22Futhi no tipfala tindleve a va tipfala leswaku va nga ri twi rito rakwe.
- 23Loko o tokolo, a a ta bomodziwa a pfimba nomo lowu!
- 24Kambe ku khensa hi ku tlherisela eka wena Xidemokirasi,
- 25Wena loyi a vekeke rito:
- 26Wansati na yenavu i munhu;
- 27Wa faneriwa hi ku ahlamisavu nomo,
- 28A chulula ta le xifuveni,
- 29Handle ka ku monyiwa.
- 30Rito ra wansati se ra twakalavu,
- 31Ra veka nawu wu landzeleriwa,
- 32Ra ba nhonga ehansi ku alelana no xanisiwa,
- 33Kona loko o za a kolola!
- 34Mhaka yi endleka hi ku copeta ka tihlo,
- 35Malamulele ku ri yena Xidemokirasi.
- 36A wu ta nghena ehubyeni u ri wena mani?
- 37Kambe hi ku Xidemokirasi u yi lamurile,
- 38Wansati na yena wa nghena na yena a humesa vonelo.
- 39Hikuva i ntirho lowu a wu foromeriwile wanuna ntsena.
- 40Kambe Xidemokirasi a swi hangalasela le kule lee!
- 41Sweswi na vaEvha swo nyarhula na swibalesa,
- 42Futhi swi tirha onge mundzuku a swi nga ha tirhi.
- 43Ku fambisa emitirhweni a wu ta swi nyikiwa hi mani?
- 44Hikuva ndhawu ya wena a yi tiveka yi ri exitangeni ntsena.
- 45Kambe namuntlha vanhwanyana swi ba nhonga ehansi,
- 46Meno ya dzadzamela na matsolo ya gudlagudla.
- 47Xitanga xi ta vonaka loko yi chayile.
- 48Loko ri xa ku ya handzeriwa swivondlwana hinkwerhu ka hina.
- 49Namuntlha wansati u ba nhonga ephalamende,
- 50Vakhalabye va mimpandlha va rhurhumela,
- 51Futhi loko swi tikile na nyangwa va kombiwa hi rintiho,
- 52Va ta khawula ku n'wi vonela ebodhleleni.
- 53Hi ri wena Xidemokirasi hi ba mandla,
- 54Hi ku hluvulela xihuku eka nyimpi leyi u yi hluleke,
- 55Loko a ku nga ri wena u goveke 27 wa malembe emakorhweni ya tingwenya,
- 56Hina vavasati a hi ta va hi ri kwihi sweswi?
- 57Meno a va ta va va hi khuvutile khale!
- 58Vavanuna a va tlangela ehenhla ka hina va tiololela eka hina.
- 59Kambe hi ri wanuna a ringeti sweswi!
- 60U ta tisola a lo ba, hi khwiri.
- 61Hi ri u nga rivali ku khensa Xidemokirasi,
- 62Ku va wansati eka leyi Afrika-Dzonga a ka ha ri nkhavi.
- 63Sweswi ntswele yi rhangela tihomu ti ya nwa mati ti tlhela ti kolwa.
- 64Ingi moya waku wu nga wisa hi kurhula Madiba,
- 65U khatsile ndzima ya tindzima yi lo juu!
- 66Se swi le mavokweni ya hina.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 3.3
Read the poem
VAMANANA VA AFRIKA-DZONGA – ME Mhinga
- 1Timpecani ti dzudzekile,
- 2Ti nyulekile,
- 3Emavokweni,
- 4Ebyongweni,
- 5Eririn'wini,
- 6Emilengeni.
- 7Ha khensa wena Xidemokirasi u nga ti chucha.
- 8Loko Xidemokirasi a nga se yi lamula,
- 9I wansati wa ka mani loyi a titirhela?
- 10Futhi a titirhela ni mitirho leyi a yi yirisiwa no yi khumba kunene loku?
- 11Kasi a yo yiriseriwa mona.
- 12Vuswikoti byi pfaleriwile eswandleni swa yena.
- 13Lebyi loko byi humesiwa sweswi va salaka va tikhomile swilebvu ntsena.
- 14A ta va n'wana wa mani,
- 15Loyi a ta pfumeleriwa ku tirhisa byongo,
- 16Ku ehleketa no pimapima timhaka etikweni a ri waxisati?
- 17Kambe loko ku ri wansati wa n'wana Xidemokirasi,
- 18U pimapima makungu va sala va anhlamisile ni milomo gabaa!
- 19U ba xigandlu makungu ya pasa handle ko dlidlimbetiwa.
- 20Ina, hungu ro huma enon'weni wa wansati a ri bakanyiwa.
- 21Futhi a ri tiveka ri phyama bya nyamatana.
- 22Futhi no tipfala tindleve a va tipfala leswaku va nga ri twi rito rakwe.
- 23Loko o tokolo, a a ta bomodziwa a pfimba nomo lowu!
- 24Kambe ku khensa hi ku tlherisela eka wena Xidemokirasi,
- 25Wena loyi a vekeke rito:
- 26Wansati na yenavu i munhu;
- 27Wa faneriwa hi ku ahlamisavu nomo,
- 28A chulula ta le xifuveni,
- 29Handle ka ku monyiwa.
- 30Rito ra wansati se ra twakalavu,
- 31Ra veka nawu wu landzeleriwa,
- 32Ra ba nhonga ehansi ku alelana no xanisiwa,
- 33Kona loko o za a kolola!
- 34Mhaka yi endleka hi ku copeta ka tihlo,
- 35Malamulele ku ri yena Xidemokirasi.
- 36A wu ta nghena ehubyeni u ri wena mani?
- 37Kambe hi ku Xidemokirasi u yi lamurile,
- 38Wansati na yena wa nghena na yena a humesa vonelo.
- 39Hikuva i ntirho lowu a wu foromeriwile wanuna ntsena.
- 40Kambe Xidemokirasi a swi hangalasela le kule lee!
- 41Sweswi na vaEvha swo nyarhula na swibalesa,
- 42Futhi swi tirha onge mundzuku a swi nga ha tirhi.
- 43Ku fambisa emitirhweni a wu ta swi nyikiwa hi mani?
- 44Hikuva ndhawu ya wena a yi tiveka yi ri exitangeni ntsena.
- 45Kambe namuntlha vanhwanyana swi ba nhonga ehansi,
- 46Meno ya dzadzamela na matsolo ya gudlagudla.
- 47Xitanga xi ta vonaka loko yi chayile.
- 48Loko ri xa ku ya handzeriwa swivondlwana hinkwerhu ka hina.
- 49Namuntlha wansati u ba nhonga ephalamende,
- 50Vakhalabye va mimpandlha va rhurhumela,
- 51Futhi loko swi tikile na nyangwa va kombiwa hi rintiho,
- 52Va ta khawula ku n'wi vonela ebodhleleni.
- 53Hi ri wena Xidemokirasi hi ba mandla,
- 54Hi ku hluvulela xihuku eka nyimpi leyi u yi hluleke,
- 55Loko a ku nga ri wena u goveke 27 wa malembe emakorhweni ya tingwenya,
- 56Hina vavasati a hi ta va hi ri kwihi sweswi?
- 57Meno a va ta va va hi khuvutile khale!
- 58Vavanuna a va tlangela ehenhla ka hina va tiololela eka hina.
- 59Kambe hi ri wanuna a ringeti sweswi!
- 60U ta tisola a lo ba, hi khwiri.
- 61Hi ri u nga rivali ku khensa Xidemokirasi,
- 62Ku va wansati eka leyi Afrika-Dzonga a ka ha ri nkhavi.
- 63Sweswi ntswele yi rhangela tihomu ti ya nwa mati ti tlhela ti kolwa.
- 64Ingi moya waku wu nga wisa hi kurhula Madiba,
- 65U khatsile ndzima ya tindzima yi lo juu!
- 66Se swi le mavokweni ya hina.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 3.4
Read the poem
VAMANANA VA AFRIKA-DZONGA – ME Mhinga
- 1Timpecani ti dzudzekile,
- 2Ti nyulekile,
- 3Emavokweni,
- 4Ebyongweni,
- 5Eririn'wini,
- 6Emilengeni.
- 7Ha khensa wena Xidemokirasi u nga ti chucha.
- 8Loko Xidemokirasi a nga se yi lamula,
- 9I wansati wa ka mani loyi a titirhela?
- 10Futhi a titirhela ni mitirho leyi a yi yirisiwa no yi khumba kunene loku?
- 11Kasi a yo yiriseriwa mona.
- 12Vuswikoti byi pfaleriwile eswandleni swa yena.
- 13Lebyi loko byi humesiwa sweswi va salaka va tikhomile swilebvu ntsena.
- 14A ta va n'wana wa mani,
- 15Loyi a ta pfumeleriwa ku tirhisa byongo,
- 16Ku ehleketa no pimapima timhaka etikweni a ri waxisati?
- 17Kambe loko ku ri wansati wa n'wana Xidemokirasi,
- 18U pimapima makungu va sala va anhlamisile ni milomo gabaa!
- 19U ba xigandlu makungu ya pasa handle ko dlidlimbetiwa.
- 20Ina, hungu ro huma enon'weni wa wansati a ri bakanyiwa.
- 21Futhi a ri tiveka ri phyama bya nyamatana.
- 22Futhi no tipfala tindleve a va tipfala leswaku va nga ri twi rito rakwe.
- 23Loko o tokolo, a a ta bomodziwa a pfimba nomo lowu!
- 24Kambe ku khensa hi ku tlherisela eka wena Xidemokirasi,
- 25Wena loyi a vekeke rito:
- 26Wansati na yenavu i munhu;
- 27Wa faneriwa hi ku ahlamisavu nomo,
- 28A chulula ta le xifuveni,
- 29Handle ka ku monyiwa.
- 30Rito ra wansati se ra twakalavu,
- 31Ra veka nawu wu landzeleriwa,
- 32Ra ba nhonga ehansi ku alelana no xanisiwa,
- 33Kona loko o za a kolola!
- 34Mhaka yi endleka hi ku copeta ka tihlo,
- 35Malamulele ku ri yena Xidemokirasi.
- 36A wu ta nghena ehubyeni u ri wena mani?
- 37Kambe hi ku Xidemokirasi u yi lamurile,
- 38Wansati na yena wa nghena na yena a humesa vonelo.
- 39Hikuva i ntirho lowu a wu foromeriwile wanuna ntsena.
- 40Kambe Xidemokirasi a swi hangalasela le kule lee!
- 41Sweswi na vaEvha swo nyarhula na swibalesa,
- 42Futhi swi tirha onge mundzuku a swi nga ha tirhi.
- 43Ku fambisa emitirhweni a wu ta swi nyikiwa hi mani?
- 44Hikuva ndhawu ya wena a yi tiveka yi ri exitangeni ntsena.
- 45Kambe namuntlha vanhwanyana swi ba nhonga ehansi,
- 46Meno ya dzadzamela na matsolo ya gudlagudla.
- 47Xitanga xi ta vonaka loko yi chayile.
- 48Loko ri xa ku ya handzeriwa swivondlwana hinkwerhu ka hina.
- 49Namuntlha wansati u ba nhonga ephalamende,
- 50Vakhalabye va mimpandlha va rhurhumela,
- 51Futhi loko swi tikile na nyangwa va kombiwa hi rintiho,
- 52Va ta khawula ku n'wi vonela ebodhleleni.
- 53Hi ri wena Xidemokirasi hi ba mandla,
- 54Hi ku hluvulela xihuku eka nyimpi leyi u yi hluleke,
- 55Loko a ku nga ri wena u goveke 27 wa malembe emakorhweni ya tingwenya,
- 56Hina vavasati a hi ta va hi ri kwihi sweswi?
- 57Meno a va ta va va hi khuvutile khale!
- 58Vavanuna a va tlangela ehenhla ka hina va tiololela eka hina.
- 59Kambe hi ri wanuna a ringeti sweswi!
- 60U ta tisola a lo ba, hi khwiri.
- 61Hi ri u nga rivali ku khensa Xidemokirasi,
- 62Ku va wansati eka leyi Afrika-Dzonga a ka ha ri nkhavi.
- 63Sweswi ntswele yi rhangela tihomu ti ya nwa mati ti tlhela ti kolwa.
- 64Ingi moya waku wu nga wisa hi kurhula Madiba,
- 65U khatsile ndzima ya tindzima yi lo juu!
- 66Se swi le mavokweni ya hina.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (3 marks)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 3.5
Read the poem
VAMANANA VA AFRIKA-DZONGA – ME Mhinga
- 1Timpecani ti dzudzekile,
- 2Ti nyulekile,
- 3Emavokweni,
- 4Ebyongweni,
- 5Eririn'wini,
- 6Emilengeni.
- 7Ha khensa wena Xidemokirasi u nga ti chucha.
- 8Loko Xidemokirasi a nga se yi lamula,
- 9I wansati wa ka mani loyi a titirhela?
- 10Futhi a titirhela ni mitirho leyi a yi yirisiwa no yi khumba kunene loku?
- 11Kasi a yo yiriseriwa mona.
- 12Vuswikoti byi pfaleriwile eswandleni swa yena.
- 13Lebyi loko byi humesiwa sweswi va salaka va tikhomile swilebvu ntsena.
- 14A ta va n'wana wa mani,
- 15Loyi a ta pfumeleriwa ku tirhisa byongo,
- 16Ku ehleketa no pimapima timhaka etikweni a ri waxisati?
- 17Kambe loko ku ri wansati wa n'wana Xidemokirasi,
- 18U pimapima makungu va sala va anhlamisile ni milomo gabaa!
- 19U ba xigandlu makungu ya pasa handle ko dlidlimbetiwa.
- 20Ina, hungu ro huma enon'weni wa wansati a ri bakanyiwa.
- 21Futhi a ri tiveka ri phyama bya nyamatana.
- 22Futhi no tipfala tindleve a va tipfala leswaku va nga ri twi rito rakwe.
- 23Loko o tokolo, a a ta bomodziwa a pfimba nomo lowu!
- 24Kambe ku khensa hi ku tlherisela eka wena Xidemokirasi,
- 25Wena loyi a vekeke rito:
- 26Wansati na yenavu i munhu;
- 27Wa faneriwa hi ku ahlamisavu nomo,
- 28A chulula ta le xifuveni,
- 29Handle ka ku monyiwa.
- 30Rito ra wansati se ra twakalavu,
- 31Ra veka nawu wu landzeleriwa,
- 32Ra ba nhonga ehansi ku alelana no xanisiwa,
- 33Kona loko o za a kolola!
- 34Mhaka yi endleka hi ku copeta ka tihlo,
- 35Malamulele ku ri yena Xidemokirasi.
- 36A wu ta nghena ehubyeni u ri wena mani?
- 37Kambe hi ku Xidemokirasi u yi lamurile,
- 38Wansati na yena wa nghena na yena a humesa vonelo.
- 39Hikuva i ntirho lowu a wu foromeriwile wanuna ntsena.
- 40Kambe Xidemokirasi a swi hangalasela le kule lee!
- 41Sweswi na vaEvha swo nyarhula na swibalesa,
- 42Futhi swi tirha onge mundzuku a swi nga ha tirhi.
- 43Ku fambisa emitirhweni a wu ta swi nyikiwa hi mani?
- 44Hikuva ndhawu ya wena a yi tiveka yi ri exitangeni ntsena.
- 45Kambe namuntlha vanhwanyana swi ba nhonga ehansi,
- 46Meno ya dzadzamela na matsolo ya gudlagudla.
- 47Xitanga xi ta vonaka loko yi chayile.
- 48Loko ri xa ku ya handzeriwa swivondlwana hinkwerhu ka hina.
- 49Namuntlha wansati u ba nhonga ephalamende,
- 50Vakhalabye va mimpandlha va rhurhumela,
- 51Futhi loko swi tikile na nyangwa va kombiwa hi rintiho,
- 52Va ta khawula ku n'wi vonela ebodhleleni.
- 53Hi ri wena Xidemokirasi hi ba mandla,
- 54Hi ku hluvulela xihuku eka nyimpi leyi u yi hluleke,
- 55Loko a ku nga ri wena u goveke 27 wa malembe emakorhweni ya tingwenya,
- 56Hina vavasati a hi ta va hi ri kwihi sweswi?
- 57Meno a va ta va va hi khuvutile khale!
- 58Vavanuna a va tlangela ehenhla ka hina va tiololela eka hina.
- 59Kambe hi ri wanuna a ringeti sweswi!
- 60U ta tisola a lo ba, hi khwiri.
- 61Hi ri u nga rivali ku khensa Xidemokirasi,
- 62Ku va wansati eka leyi Afrika-Dzonga a ka ha ri nkhavi.
- 63Sweswi ntswele yi rhangela tihomu ti ya nwa mati ti tlhela ti kolwa.
- 64Ingi moya waku wu nga wisa hi kurhula Madiba,
- 65U khatsile ndzima ya tindzima yi lo juu!
- 66Se swi le mavokweni ya hina.
Written question: work out your answer first (in your head or on paper), then check the memo.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 4.3
Read the poem
U NGA DUNGI XIHLOVO – NW Phakula
- 1Leswi mi ngo hlambelana emahlweni ka vanhu, ya kona mati yo kala xilavi?
- 2Mundzuku mi ta tlhelelanisana ku yini?
- 3Tolo kunene a swi ri swinene swa n'wina vambirhi.
- 4Buti n'wana mhani emarhumbini va tlhelela.
- 5Munhu u hlambanya se a lo gaa, hi xikosi ntsena.
- 6Buti u nga tikhalambisi hi ku poyila nsati,
- 7Nsati loyi a nga yena a mi humeseke elawini ra tinghwendza,
- 8Nsati loyi mi nga n'wi hlawula exikarhi ka vavasati va ntsandzavahlayi,
- 9Nsati loyi a mi hamba mi tiba xifuva mi ku wo fana na yena a nga kona emisaveni hinkwayo.
- 10Se namuntlha ku lo tswariwa wo fana kumbe ku tlula yena?
- 11Buti, u ta tikomba yini tinhloko leti u n'wi rhwexeke tona namuntlha?
- 12Leswi mi ngo famba mi peperha ta le hansi ka xihlungwana a mi nga tisoli?
- 13Leswi mi ngo hlambela xihlovo mundzuku mi ya timula kwihi torha?
- 14Leswi u ngo ticelela sirha wa ha hanya n'wana manana u ta etlela vurhongo?
- 15U nga yi hi vanhu n'wana mhani, emarhumbini va tlhelela.
- 16Leswi tolo wa siku mi nga te mi ta hambanyisiwa hi rifu ke?
- 17Kumbe se rifu ri se ri gongondzile ekamareni ya wena buti?
- 18Hi vikele na hinavu hi ta famba hi lava homu,
- 19Homu yo phamela vayoweri na vakhandlivanhlonge,
- 20Hi ta wisa ku hlamula vana miharihari.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
NSC November 2024 · Paper 2 · Question 5.3
Read the poem
NDZI TSHIKENI MINA! – MD Ndove
- 1I mani wa movha loyi a nga n'wi tivi Japisa wa ka Mahanci?
- 2Xinhwanyetana xo yimeka bya ximhuntana.
- 3Kambe nhamu ya xona a yi ri ya nhuntlwa.
- 4Vamathekisi, va tithendara, vamakhwiri, a va n'wi kayelangi.
- 5I mani a ta n'wi tshinya?
- 6Leswi a ri manga-yo-bola-maonha-totala- enon'weni wakwe ke?
- 7Leswi a nga chavi ku teka mpfundze a chela munhu enhlokweni yakwe ke?
- 8A lava ko ku tshikiwa a tidyela.
- 9Kwala misaveni yaleyi …
- 10I mani a nga nghwazi yo dyela?
- 11Vonani leswi a nga xiswona ihiwani.
- 12Loko ro xa ra mundzuku pthuuu, hi lama, swa ka vona swi ta va swi ri na yena.
Official memo answer (1 mark)
Tip: press A–D to answer multiple choice, → for the next question.
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Study Guides
- DBE Self Study Guide: CLA Xitsonga PDF, 2.3 MB
- DBE Self Study Guide: CW Xitsonga PDF, 2 MB
- DBE Self Study Guide: XiTsonga PDF, 3.1 MB
- Mind the Gap: Tsima ra vutlhokovetseri PDF, 9 MB
- Mind the Gap: Vadyondzi va Namuntlha PDF, 2.5 MB
- Mind the Gap: Ximitantsengele PDF, 2.9 MB
Xitsonga HL Grade 12 Exam Guide
How the final Xitsonga HL exam is set out, taken from the cover and instruction pages of the DBE November 2025 question papers.
Xitsonga HL Paper 1
- 70 marks
- 2 hours
- 11 pages
- November 2025
| Section | What it covers | Marks | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Comprehension (Xikambelantwisiso) | 30 | 50 min |
| B | Summary (Nkomiso) | 10 | 30 min |
| C | Language Structures and Conventions (Swiaki na milawu ya matirhiselo ya ririmi) | 30 | 40 min |
Instructions on the paper
- Read ALL the instructions carefully.
- Answer ALL the questions.
- Start EACH section on a NEW page.
- Number your answers as numbered in this question paper.
- Leave a line after each answer.
- Pay attention to spelling and sentence construction.
- Write neatly and legibly.
Xitsonga HL Paper 2
- 80 marks
- 2½ hours
- 38 pages
- November 2025
| Section | What it covers | Marks | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Poetry (Vutlhokovetseri)Two prescribed poems plus the compulsory unseen poem | 30 | 40 min |
| B | Novhele/Mfuwo wa rixakaAnswer ONE question | 25 | 55 min |
| C | Drama (Ntlangu)Answer ONE question | 25 | 55 min |
Section A: answer TWO prescribed poems and the compulsory unseen poem; Section B: answer ONE question; Section C: answer ONE question
Instructions on the paper
- Do NOT try to read the whole paper; use the table of contents on page 4 to choose your questions.
- Answer FIVE questions: THREE in Section A, ONE in Section B and ONE in Section C.
- In Sections B and C answer ONE essay question and ONE contextual question: an essay question in Section B means a contextual question in Section C, and the other way round.
- Answer only questions on the books you studied.
- Poetry essay: about 250–300 words; essays in Sections B and C: about 400–450 words.
- Start EACH section on a NEW page.
- Write neatly and legibly.
Xitsonga HL Paper 3
- 100 marks
- 3 hours
- 5 pages
- November 2025
| Section | What it covers | Marks | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Essay (Xitsalwana)Answer ONE question | 50 | 100 min |
| B | Transactional Texts (Xitshuriwa xa xitsalwambiko (2 x 25))Answer TWO questions | 50 | 80 min |
Section A: answer ONE question; Section B: answer TWO questions
Instructions on the paper
- Answer ONE question in Section A and TWO in Section B.
- Write in the language you are being tested in.
- Start EACH section on a NEW page.
- Plan, edit and proofread your work; the plan must come BEFORE the text.
- The title is NOT counted in the word count.
- Essay: 400–450 words; each transactional text: 180–200 words.
- Write neatly and legibly.
Xitsonga HL Grade 12 Questions and Answers
How many papers do you write for Xitsonga 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 Xitsonga 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 Xitsonga HL Paper 2?
In the November 2025 paper: Section A: Poetry (30 marks); Section B: Novhele/Mfuwo wa rixaka (25 marks); Section C: Drama (25 marks). Section A: answer TWO prescribed poems and the compulsory unseen poem; Section B: answer ONE question; Section C: answer ONE question.
What is in Xitsonga HL Paper 3?
In the November 2025 paper: Section A: Essay (50 marks); Section B: Transactional Texts (50 marks). Section A: answer ONE question; Section B: answer TWO questions.
How long is the Xitsonga HL question paper?
In November 2025, Paper 1 had 11 pages, Paper 2 had 38 pages and Paper 3 had 5 pages.
Which Xitsonga HL past papers are on this page?
72 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 Xitsonga HL memos included?
Yes. 34 of the files are memos (marking guidelines). Each memo is listed next to its question paper.
Is there a Xitsonga HL practice quiz?
Yes. The exam questions quiz on this page has 49 questions taken word for word from real DBE Xitsonga HL papers. The memo answer shows after you try each question.

