'GET READY': 71 300 Western Cape matric candidates ready for final exams

FINAL COUNTDOWN: Matric exams are a month away

Image: Instagram/@term2

WESTERN Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt has told the province’s 71 300 registered full-time candidates to get ready for their final exams.

The Western Cape’s 2026 National Senior Certificate exams are set to start on 13 October 2026, beginning with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and concluding on 25 November.

With only a month remaining, Londt urged candidates to shut out distractions and concentrate on the examinations.

Londt said: “This is your moment. Breathe, take it in, and put in the necessary time and work. There will be time for celebrations later..

“For now, remain disciplined and focused; your hard work will pay off. The Western Cape is supporting you all the way!”

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is preparing 485 examination centres for the high-stakes assessment period, while about 2 600 community invigilators and 3 857 markers will be appointed as part of the province’s examination operation.

A total of 123 examination papers will be written.

Of the 485 examination centres, 477 are high schools, seven are primary schools and one is a correctional services facility designated to accommodate part-time candidates.

The province has also intensified academic support ahead of the exams, with more than 31 000 matric pupils having attended #BackOnTrack winter school classes during the mid-year holidays.

Further revision classes are scheduled for the upcoming third-term break as candidates make their final preparations.

Londt said teachers, tutors and officials had been working to prepare candidates for the final stretch of their school careers.

Parents, guardians and communities have also been urged to protect candidates’ study time during the final weeks before the examinations.

Londt said: “I want to ask parents, guardians and communities to work with us to support our learners during this time. Let us not disrupt their precious study time or do anything that could negatively impact their focus.

“We know how stressful this period can be for learners. We encourage those who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner’s mental health, to reach out to the WCED for help,” Londt said.

School staff can seek assistance from district support teams, while the Safe Schools Hotline can connect learners with relevant government departments and non-governmental organisations.

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