DBE Warns Matric Candidates About Extreme Weather
The DBE has also urged provincial education departments, examination centres and candidates to remain alert to potentially disruptive weather conditions during the remaining examination period.
Excessive heat, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could affect examination activities in certain parts of South Africa.
“Particular attention must be given to areas susceptible to extreme temperatures, including parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Northern Cape, while provinces experiencing heavy rainfall or thunderstorms must closely monitor local conditions and potential disruptions to transport routes and examination venues,” it said.
Provincial education departments have been encouraged to maintain communication with the South African Weather Service and local disaster management authorities to ensure that appropriate safety measures are implemented when necessary.
The department also stressed that examination centres must provide suitable conditions for learners to write their examinations, particularly during periods of extreme heat.
“Examination centres must ensure that conditions remain conducive to the writing of examinations, particularly during periods of excessive heat. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation, access to safe drinking water, functional sanitation facilities and appropriate arrangements to minimise candidates' exposure to extreme temperatures.”
Matric candidates are encouraged to take precautions by:
- Drinking enough water to remain hydrated.
- Wearing comfortable clothing that complies with examination regulations.
- Avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
- Allowing sufficient travelling time when adverse weather conditions are expected.
Parents and guardians are also encouraged to help learners prepare for the prevailing weather conditions.
DBE Raises Concern Over Matric Exam Absenteeism
The department has expressed concern about continued absenteeism among registered matric examination candidates, particularly those writing on a part-time basis.
The DBE has appealed to all registered candidates to attend their scheduled examination papers and complete the NSC examination process.
“Every examination represents an important opportunity for candidates to improve their educational outcomes and expand their prospects for further education, training and employment. The department therefore appeals to all registered candidates to honour their examination commitments and make every effort to attend their scheduled examinations.
“Part-time candidates, many of whom are balancing employment, family responsibilities and academic commitments, are particularly encouraged to remain focused and complete the examination process.”
The department acknowledged that personal and socioeconomic circumstances can affect examination attendance.
It said it would continue working with provincial education departments to better understand the challenges preventing some candidates from attending their examinations and identify ways to address these barriers.
Matric Candidates Reminded to Uphold Examination Rules
As the 2026 matric examination period draws to a close, the DBE has reminded candidates of the examination pledge they signed before writing their papers.
The pledge represents a commitment to honesty, fairness and integrity throughout the examination process.
“The pledge represents a personal undertaking to uphold honesty, fairness and integrity throughout the examination process. Candidates are reminded that compliance with examination regulations remains non-negotiable.
Any form of dishonesty, unauthorised assistance, possession of prohibited materials or participation in activities that compromise examination security undermines the credibility of the qualification and the collective efforts of thousands of candidates who have prepared diligently,” it said.
The department emphasised that examination rules must be followed by all candidates to protect the credibility of the National Senior Certificate qualification.
The 2026 matric exams are scheduled to end on 26 November, after which attention will turn to the marking process and the finalisation of results.
