Gauteng ready to administer matric exams: MEC Maile
Gauteng Education Department says it’s ready to administer the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams of more than 203 000 candidates registered across the province from Tuesday, which is an increase of over 11 000 from last year.
More than 960 000 matriculants countrywide will write their finals this year.
MEC Lebogang Maile says the candidates include 152 000 full-time learners and more than 51 000 part-time candidates and repeaters.
Maile says the department has also processed examination accommodation for qualifying candidates who require additional support.
He added that the focus is now on ensuring that examination centres are ready so that learners can write without disruptions.
“Approximately 1 700 monitors, including resident monitors, provincial monitors and district monitors, will be deployed to provide comprehensive end-to-end oversight throughout the examination period.
The role of monitors is to oversee the entire examination cycle to safeguard the integrity, fairness and credibility of the testing process.
They are responsible for pre-examination and system audits,” says Maile.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health is warning that excessive exam pressure could take a toll on matriculants’ mental health as they begin their final examinations.
The department says prolonged study hours, inadequate sleep and last-minute cramming can affect learners’ concentration, memory and emotional wellbeing.
Parents and teachers are being urged to look out for signs of emotional distress, and to avoid placing additional pressure on learners over their results.
The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona says learners experiencing emotional difficulties should seek professional support , reminding them that their examination results do not define their worth nor their future.
“Learners experiencing emotional difficulties, as well as their parents and caregivers, can seek support through nearby public healthcare facilities, school support teams and social workers.
Families are urged to seek help early, before the situation becomes overwhelming,” says Mabona.
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