NSC exams reach halfway mark

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

We have reached the halfway mark of the November 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, and I would like to thank every official, principal, teacher, invigilator, and support staff member across the Western Cape who has worked incredibly hard to ensure that the examinations have run smoothly.

Over the past 14 examination days, our candidates have completed 28 examination sessions and written 95 of the 190 question papers scheduled for this examination period.

This is a massive logistical undertaking, and I am extremely grateful for the teamwork and commitment shown across the province. 

This has been particularly important given the challenges we have faced as a result of violence in certain communities and disruptions to the transport system. During this volatile period, our exam teams - alongside WCED district officials and schools – responded with urgency and efficiency, demonstrating the strength of our collective efforts to support our candidates.

Unfortunately, we have also recorded a small number of exam irregularities. Six candidates were found in possession of unauthorised electronic devices, including cellphones, and a further six were found in possession of crib notes.

Our message to candidates is simple: do not be foolish and put your matric results at risk by attempting to cheat. Every candidate has signed an examination agreement and is well aware of the rules. Being found with a cellphone, smart device or crib notes in an examination room can have severe consequences, including being barred from writing the NSC examinations for up to three examinations.

After years of hard work, it is simply not worth taking that risk. Leave your cellphone and any unauthorised material outside the examination room and focus on doing your very best. 

Please arrive at your exam venue early, at least one hour before the scheduled start. This way you are not rushed and are present for the reading of exam rules and the required reading time, allowing you to begin the exam calmly and confidently.

We now have just three weeks remaining. There is still plenty of hard work ahead, and we encourage our matric candidates to stay focused, look after themselves, prepare thoroughly and finish their examinations strongly.

To our examination officials and our school teams: thank you for the exceptional teamwork thus far. Let us keep up this effort and ensure that the remaining examinations proceed as smoothly as possible.

Matric support resources can be found here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/matric-support