This year's Matric final exams are set to start on the 13th October, and not even the local government elections will interfere with the smooth running of the exams. This was the message from Umalusi CEO, Dr Mafu Rakometsi as he addressed the media with details of the plans in place for this year's finals.
Umalusi conducted its state of readiness audit from 24 August to 30 September 2026, with exams slated to commence on 13 October.
"On the evidence presented, Umalusi is satisfied that the system is broadly ready to conduct, administer and manage the 2026 year-end national examinations, which will involve approximately 1.08 million candidates at 9 183 examination centres,” Rakometsi explained.
He assured the public that examination bodies have systems in place to identify, manage and address any examination irregularities during the upcoming final examinations.
A total of 1,079,879 candidates are expected to write the General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training (GETC: ABET), National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] Level 4 and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Rakometsi said any irregularities that arise during the examination period will be handled in line with the regulations governing assessments and examinations.
“Should they arise, irregularities will be handled within the relevant system and in accordance with the regulations governing the conduct, administration and management of assessments and examinations.
“Umalusi urges assessment bodies to take every necessary step to identify and prevent irregularities during the examinations. Candidates are also warned against using unlawful means to gain an unfair advantage. Hard work, honesty and diligent study remain the foundations of academic success,” he stated.
Registered candidates must be allowed to write exams
Umalusi has also warned schools against preventing registered candidates from writing examinations in particular subjects.
Rakometsi said this practice has previously been linked to attempts to improve examination results and urged learners and their parents or guardians to report any incidents.
“Umalusi sincerely hopes that the persistent practice of teachers and principals preventing registered candidates from writing examinations in particular subjects will not recur.
“As previously stated, this unlawful practice is driven by an attempt to improve examination results. Umalusi urges learners and their parents or guardians to report any such incident immediately to the relevant authorities,” Rakometsi urged.
Examination timetable adjusted for Local Government Elections
The 2026 examination timetable has been amended to accommodate the Local Government Elections, which are scheduled to take place on 4 November.
Umalusi has warned that political activities and community protests could disrupt the examination process, particularly because the elections will take place while examinations are underway.
“Umalusi has previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations. Because the Local Government Elections on 4 November coincide with the examination period, related political activities may affect examination operations.
“Umalusi will therefore work closely with assessment bodies, provincial education departments and other relevant stakeholders to prevent election-related activities from interfering with the examination process,” he stated.
Communities urged to support exam candidates
Umalusi has appealed to political and community leaders, schools, teachers and parents to help minimise disruptions during the examination period.
Many schools, including those that will be used as voting stations, hold additional classes over weekends and during school holidays to prepare learners for their examinations.
“Many schools, including those used as voting stations, hold extra classes on weekends and during holidays to prepare candidates for examinations. Umalusi therefore urges all stakeholders, including political and community leaders, principals, teachers, parents, etcetera, to minimise the disruption caused by political activities, especially in the vicinity of schools serving as examination centres.
“Umalusi appeals to everyone to provide candidates with the support they need during this critical stage of their educational journey and to take every possible step to ensure that no candidate is unduly disadvantaged,” Rakometsi said.
