JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Basic Education says contingency measures are in place to protect candidates as nearly one million Grade 12 learners prepare to write their final examinations.
The first paper of the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October, amid heightened tensions over anti-migrant protests in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Authorities are on high alert amid concerns that the protests, unfolding against the backdrop of a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications, could disrupt the examination process.
Chief director for National Examinations and Assessments Priscilla Ogunbanjo says officials are ready to ensure learners can continue writing if disruptions occur.
“Learners will be allowed to write exams at any centre if anything arises. Our officials have been trained and will be on standby.”
The Class of 2026 is the largest full-time matric cohort to date, with 962,832 candidates registered for the examinations.
Of these, 815,051 are full-time candidates, an increase of 48,508 from 2025. A further 147,781 are part-time candidates, up by 10,763 from last year.
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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has also warned against examination irregularities, saying the department will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to cheating.
“Let me be clear, the DBE is taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities.”
Gwarube says candidate and parent pledge agreements have been introduced to promote a culture of integrity. A 24-hour examination hotline is also available to report suspected irregularities.
The examinations begin on 13 October and conclude on 26 November.
Matric exams 2026 at a glance
- 962,832 candidates registered in total.
- 815,051 full-time candidates, up by 48,508 from 2025.
- 147,781 part-time candidates, up by 10,763 from 2025.
- 13 October: Examinations begin.
- 26 November: Examinations conclude.