News24 | Umalusi gives the green light for the 2026 matric exams

Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi said 989 141 candidates would sit for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, including 964 201 from the DBE, 18 631 from the IEB and 6 309 from Sacai.

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• Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi said the system was broadly ready to administer the 2026 year-end national matric exams.
• A total of 989 141 candidates will write the exams: 964 201 from the DBE, 18 631 from the IEB, and 6 309 from Sacai.
• Rakometsi flagged the practice of gatekeeping, where teachers and principals prevent weaker learners from writing certain subjects.

It’s all systems go for the 2026 matric exams.

Quality assurer Umalusi announced that the four assessment bodies, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (Sacai) were ready to conduct and manage the exams.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi said 989 141 candidates would sit for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, including 964 201 from the DBE, 18 631 from the IEB and 6 309 from Sacai.

“On the evidence presented, Umalusi is satisfied that the system is broadly ready to conduct, administer and manage the 2026 year-end national exams, which will involve approximately 1.08 million candidates at 9 183 exam centres,” he said.

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Umalusi conducted its state-of-readiness audit from 24 August to 30 September, covering candidate registration; staffing at exam and marking centres; external moderation of internal assessments and question papers; and security measures for printing, packaging, storage and the distribution of question papers.

The exams quality assurer moderated 151 question papers for the NSC exams, including the DBE (68), IEB (59) and Sacai (24).

The DHET is responsible for administering the National Certificate Vocational (NCV level 4) exams and the General Education and Training Certificate for adult learners.

Rakometsi said moderating question papers was a critical safeguard for fair, reliable and valid exams.

“Umalusi has externally moderated all institution-based assessment tasks and question papers to be administered during this exam period.”

He said printing exam materials was taking place in accordance with the assessment bodies’ approved printing management plans.

“Security protocols for the printing, packaging, storage and distribution of question papers and related materials are aspects of Umalusi’s quality assurance work, which are not discussed publicly due to their confidential nature.

“Umalusi is satisfied that adequate plans are in place to secure the entire value chain. Regular visits will be made to all assessment bodies.”

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He said they were also satisfied that all the assessment bodies had adequately trained their invigilator staff to carry out activities related to the conduct, administration, and management of the exams.

An issue that was highlighted was the DBE’s reported shortages of markers in Afrikaans Home Language, English Home Language, and History.

“Umalusi is confident that the DBE’s plan to start marking early and phase the process will adequately mitigate the risk.”

He said Umalusi would continue to monitor the DBE’s measures to address marker capacity in Afrikaans Home Language, English Home Language, and History.

Umalusi approved all submitted question papers and institution-based assessment tasks after confirming that they were designed according to the standards for each qualification and complied with relevant quality-assurance requirements.

“The papers will be distributed to the approved exam centres in accordance with the approved plans.”

Rakometsi urged assessment bodies to take the necessary steps to identify and prevent irregularities during the exams.

“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 said areas of concern that were identified were not systemic and did not threaten the overall credibility or integrity of the 2026 exams.

“The responsible assessment bodies have been instructed to implement corrective measures before the exams begin.”

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He also mentioned the problematic practice of gatekeeping, in which teachers and principals unscrupulously prevented weaker candidates from taking the exams in certain subjects.

“This unlawful practice is driven by attempts to improve exam results. Umalusi urges learners and their parents or guardians to report any such incident immediately to the relevant authorities.”

He said the matric exam timetable had been amended to accommodate the local government elections on 4 November.

“Umalusi previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of exams.

“Because the local government elections coincide with the exam period, related political activities may affect exam operations.”

He said they would work closely with assessment bodies, provincial education departments and other relevant stakeholders to prevent election-related activities from interfering with the exam process.

Many schools, including those used as voting stations, held extra classes over weekends and during holidays to prepare candidates for the exams.

He urged stakeholders, including political and community leaders, principals, teachers, and parents, to minimise disruptions from political activities, especially in the vicinity of schools serving as exam centres.

Rakometsi advised the Class of 2026 to approach the exams with confidence, discipline and integrity.

Candidates will write the NSC exams at 7 403 exam centres, including 7 057 administered by the DBE, 266 by the IEB and 80 by Sacai.