Gauteng Education deploys super scanners to curb matric exam cheating

Gauteng is tightening security at matric examination centres amid growing concerns over sophisticated electronic devices being used to cheat during exams.

Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile says the province will introduce super scanners at examination room entrances to detect concealed gadgets such as smart glasses, spy pens and micro-earpieces.

The announcement comes as more than 200 000 c andidates prepare to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations at 1065 centres across the province from Tuesday.

Maile says these measures are aimed at protecting the credibility and integrity of the examinations.

Government calls on parents, caregivers and communities to support Matric candidates as they prepare to sit for the National Senior Certificate exams from 13 October 2026. #GovZAUpdates #MatricExams https://t.co/uVP0LYLFfd — @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) October 12, 2026 “Security arrangements are in place for the duration of the examination.

There will also be real-time reporting systems and the utilisation of super scanners at entry points to exam rooms.

The use of these scanners at the entrance is not intended to invade the privacy of learners but to help uncover concealed hardware such as smart glasses, spy pens with hidden video screens, and micro-earplugs.” Maile says the Department is ready to administer the National Senior Certificate examinations.

“A total of 203 794 candidates have registered to write the 2026 NSC examination in Gauteng.

This comprises of 152 527 full-time candidates and 51 267 part-time and repeater candidates.

This represents an increase of 11 049 registered candidates compared to 2025,” he adds.

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