Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule have stepped up oversight of the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, visiting examination centres in Gauteng and Mpumalanga as the Class of 2026 continues its final school examinations.
The examinations commenced across the country on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with candidates in all nine provinces sitting for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Practical and various language papers.
Gwarube visited Thembisa West Secondary School in Gauteng on Thursday morning to monitor the writing of English Paper 3, assessing the school’s readiness and the arrangements in place to ensure the smooth administration of the examinations.
The visit forms part of the department’s efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the national examinations, ensuring that candidates write in a secure and conducive environment.
In a message to candidates, the Minister encouraged learners to remain focused and confident as they tackle their papers.
“To every matric learner writing today, I wish you the very best. Approach your paper with confidence, stay focused, manage your time wisely and trust in the preparation you have put in.
“Your hard work has brought you to this important milestone and I encourage you to give it your very best. South Africa is rooting for you. All the best, Class of 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mhaule, accompanied by Mpumalanga MEC for Education Lindi Masina, monitored the examinations at Masana High School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
The visit reinforced the department’s commitment to maintaining rigorous oversight and ensuring that every candidate writes under fair, secure and credible conditions.
The department has emphasised that the integrity of the NSC examinations is essential to ensuring that learners’ achievements are assessed fairly and transparently, while protecting the value of the certificate and the opportunities it unlocks for further education and employment.
Mhaule encouraged the Class of 2026 to approach the examinations with confidence, trust in the preparation provided by their teachers and uphold the integrity of the examination process.
She also reminded candidates that completing matric was not the end of their educational journey, but a stepping stone towards future opportunities.
Masina highlighted the Bohlabela District as the most improved district in the province, urging it to build on this achievement and continue improving educational outcomes through sustained commitment and hard work.
No major irregularities have been reported since the start of the examination period on Tuesday.
The examinations are a significant milestone for Grade 12 learners across the country, marking the culmination of 12 years of formal schooling and determining access to further education, training and other opportunities beyond school.
As the examinations continue, learners have been encouraged to remain disciplined, manage their time effectively and approach each paper with confidence. – SAnews.gov.za
