Final push for matriculants as term ends

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

With the third school term coming to an end on 23 September 2026, we want to encourage our matriculants to use the break wisely.

The 2026 matric examinations are now 20 days away, with over 71 000 full-time National Senior Certificate candidates expected to sit for the exams in the Western Cape.

Our matrics will be hard at work attending #BackOnTrack Spring School extra classes. We hope they use the time well, remain focused and disciplined, and get enough sleep so that you are ready for the final hurdle of your school careers.

We want to encourage matriculants to access the support resources 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.

Thank you to the teachers, tutors, and school leadership for putting in the extra work and sacrificing your time to prepare our learners for their exams. We appreciate you and value your commitment! 

Thank you to the parents and guardians who are doing their part to support the matriculants in their homes. Now more than ever, our learners require a calm and supportive environment.

Finally, we want to wish teachers, learners and parents a safe and restful holiday. 

To our school communities: we need your help to protect our schools.

While the Western Cape Education Department has subsidised security at some schools in high-risk areas, we rely on you, the residents living around our school properties, to be our eyes and ears. Please keep a close watch on the school closest to you during the holidays and report any suspicious activity to the South African Police Service immediately.