Pretoria:The Department of Basic Education has announced its readiness for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with 962,832 candidates registered for the October/November exams.
According to South African Government News Agency, this includes 815,051 full-time candidates, marking an increase of 48,508 from the previous year, and 147,781 part-time candidates. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube stated that the Class of 2026 represents the largest cohort of full-time NSC exam takers to date.
The department has undertaken several measures to ensure a smooth examination process. Approximately 7,100 examination centers have been established across all nine provinces, with a thorough audit of these centers completed. A risk-based monitoring approach will be used to allocate resources efficiently. The setting, moderation, and quality assurance of examination materials have been finalized, with Umalusi's approval, and security measures around exam material production and distribution have been enhanced.
For the marking of exam scripts, 189 marking centers have been set up, and 51,104 qualified educators have been recruited. A standardized marking approach will be applied to maintain the credibility of the qualification.
The department's 2026 Learner Support Programme is operational across 75 education districts, supporting 159,180 learners at 1,262 centers. This includes additional learning opportunities for progressed learners and those needing extra assistance. The Second Chance Matric Programme also offers support to part-time candidates through various educational resources and workshops.
Acknowledging past disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department has strengthened curriculum coverage and provided additional revision opportunities. Minister Gwarube emphasized the importance of a supportive home environment during exam preparation, urging parents to minimize household demands on learners.
To uphold the integrity of the examinations, a zero-tolerance approach towards examination irregularities has been adopted, with a 24-hour hotline available for reporting suspicious activities. Contingency plans are in place to address potential operational challenges, and the Minister appealed to communities to refrain from disrupting exams due to unrelated grievances.
Minister Gwarube concluded by affirming the readiness of both the department and the Class of 2026 for the upcoming examinations, based on the preparations confirmed by provincial education departments.