The provincial Departments of Education are currently making preparations for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations. Umalusi, which functions as the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, plans to present a detailed report concerning both public and private assessment bodies on Thursday.
Umalusi is anticipated to brief the public regarding its level of preparedness for the 2026 national matric examinations in Pretoria on Thursday. This report will detail how various education bodies will manage, administer, and conduct the 2026 year-end national assessments for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Certificate Vocational-Level 4, General Education and Training Certificate, and Adult Basic Education and Training (GETC: ABET).
The official release date for the national matric results is set for January 11, 2027. Furthermore, on Friday, all Grade 12 students nationwide will participate in signing the National Pledge. This ceremony serves as a crucial step before the 2026 NSC exams, where students commit to adhering to rules and upholding values such as honesty, integrity, and diligence.
Free State Province
Sibusiso Majola, who acts as the spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education, confirmed that the province is prepared to administer the October-November 2026 NSC examinations in a manner that is credible, secure, fair, and well-managed. In the Free State, 409 examination centers have been finalized to accommodate 48,141 candidates, which includes 39,352 full-time and 8,789 part-time participants across the region.
The examination period is scheduled to run from October 13 until November 25. Majola stated that the department has completed all necessary operational arrangements, covering aspects like examination center setup, candidate registration, provision of invigilators and monitors, secure storage, and the distribution and transport of question papers, alongside marking preparations.
He emphasized that maintaining examination integrity and monitoring remains a primary focus. High-risk centers have been identified to receive heightened supervision, ensuring strict adherence to national examination policies, proper invigilation, and prompt reporting of any irregularities. Regarding security, Majola added that the department is collaborating with relevant security structures to guarantee that all provincial and district storage facilities meet required standards, including functioning alarms, double-locking mechanisms, and safes, supported by regular inspections and secure, documented transport of test materials.
National Pledge
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to lead the 2026 Grade 12 National Pledge Ceremony in the Free State Province. This event will involve 13 schools and a total of 2,174 participating candidates, which includes 7 students from Thiboloha Special School for the Deaf and Blind.
Majola also reported that marking preparations are progressing significantly, with the appointment of center managers, monitors, and markers, as well as establishing backup plans for electricity and water supply. Dr Mamiki Maboya, the MEC for Education in the Free State, expressed confidence, stating, «We are fully ready to deliver a credible, secure and fair examination. Our candidates have worked hard for 12 years – our duty is to give them a safe, dignified and honest environment to write. There will be no tolerance for any irregularity or security breach. We are honoured that President Ramaphosa will lead our learners in taking the pledge.»
KwaZulu-Natal
In KwaZulu-Natal, MEC Sipho Hlomuka will conduct an oversight visit to the NSC examination paper printing center on Friday to reveal the province's readiness status. Hlomuka assured that the department's preparations will ensure the 2026 NSC examinations take place in a credible, secure, fair, and well-managed setting throughout all districts of the province.
Key areas slated for review include the readiness of printing facilities, examination centers, support programs for both learners and teachers, and the security surrounding the distribution of examination materials. Additionally, the appointment and training of examination staff, security protocols for the exams, and measures to protect the integrity of the entire examination process will be addressed.
Western Cape
The Education Department in the Western Cape has implemented a thorough support system designed to enhance both the academic performance and the mental well-being of students preparing for the 2026 matric final examinations.
Education Minister Jaco Londt announced that 71,302 full-time NSC candidates are registered to take the exams, alongside 13,834 part-time and repeat candidates. The examination schedule is set to begin on October 13 with the Computer Applications Technology Practical exam and will continue until November 25, covering a seven-week period with 28 examination days.