Hundreds of people including police officers, clerics, counsellors and prosecutors are expected to converge in Durban's Umlazi suburb on Wednesday at a Prayer Day for matriculants.

The event, a week before the final matric exams, was initiated by the Women's Network, Men for Change, and the Umlazi police station's communication department.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Daniela Veldhuizen said the objective of the day was to encourage matriculants to handle stress over the exams, as suicide figures increased during this time of the year.

School principals, matriculants, the education department and other guests had also been invited to the function where a number of prayers would be conducted.

"We care a lot for our youngsters and we don't want them to use drugs, take any tablets or stress out," said Veldhuizen.

"If they feel they did not do well in their exams, they must not stress out, rather they should talk to someone they trust."

Education MEC Ina Cronje made the same call on Monday saying: "Failing the exam is not the end of the world."

There was much hype and matric phobia for nothing.

"There are hundreds of tertiary students that fail like flies....so why are matriculants worried. They must just remember that there will be other opportunities for them.

"If at first you don't succeed, try and try again," Cronje said.