Final Countdown to Matric Exams Begins!

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

We are now just one week away from the 2026 matric examinations!

71 302 full-time National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates will be sitting for the exams in the Western Cape, which are scheduled to start on 13 October with Computer Applications Technology Practical, and conclude on 25 November 2026. There are also 13 834 part-time and repeat NSC candidates.

There are 28 examination days over a period of 7 weeks. No exams will be written on 2 to 5 November due to Local Government Elections, and on 9 November due to Diwali.

We appeal to matriculants to use their time wisely and not let anything disrupt their studying. 

For those who wish to vote, I encourage you to consider applying for a special vote as this could prevent you from potentially spending hours in long queues, wasting precious learning time.

The IEC has a process whereby you can apply to cast a special vote on 2 or 3 November at your voting station. You can do so by going onto the IEC's website https://registertovote.elections.org.za/voter/specialvotes/application/submit or by sending your ID number via SMS to 32249. SMSes cost R1. Applications for special votes close on 12 October at 5pm.

Thank you to all our Grade 12 teachers, tutors and officials across the province who have been working with our matriculants during the Spring break to make sure they are prepared for their exams.

A range of support resources have been made available on the WCED website (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/matric-support), such as Grade 12 exam question papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides and subject-specific academic support, study tips, information on funding for further studies, health and wellbeing support resources, and free internet and related services through WCG eCentres.

We also encourage any learners who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner’s mental health to reach out to the WCED for help. Schools can reach out to the Safe Schools Hotline [0800 45 46 47 toll free] that can connect learners with help from our sister departments and NGOs.

Let us all work together to support our learners any way we can. Thank you to the communities that are working with schools to ensure our matriculants can study and write their exams in a calm manner.

To the matriculants: your hard work and sacrifices will pay off. 

We hope you remain focused and disciplined and take constructive breaks in between studying. Do not let anything deter you from the path you have been diligently walking on for 12 years.

The Western Cape is behind you every step of the way!