CAPE TOWN - The Department of Basic Education is tightening its security around the National Senior Certificate exams.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube said officials are reviewing everything from surveillance cameras to who has access to exam papers and whether staff have been properly vetted.
“There are [about] a million candidates that are going to be sitting for this exam. I say to them, don't cheat. You will be found out. And when you are, it is a massive disruption in your career. So rather write this exam with integrity; prepare and prepare well," the minister urged.
Gwarube led a pledge-signing ceremony at Fezeka Secondary School in Gugulethu, Cape Town on Friday.
The event forms part of preparations for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams.
“The pledge was really about learners pledging that they will be taking these exams with honesty and with integrity and without cheating," she said.
Matric final examinations will commence on Tuesday 13 October 2026 and conclude on Thursday 26 November 2026.
During a media briefing on the state of readiness in Pretoria on Thursday, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer Mafu Rakometsi confirmed that approximately 1.08 million candidates are registered to sit for the year end exams at 9183 centres.