Will repatriated Zimbabwean matric candidates return to SA for 2026 exams?

Zimbabwean Grade 12 pupils who left South Africa following the 30 June deadline for immigrants to leave the country are being brought back to prepare for and write their final matric examinations.

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Coordinating Committee (ZEPcc) Academy is facilitating the process and has urged affected pupils to return to South Africa ahead of the October National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The pupils now face a race against time, with only weeks remaining before the examinations begin.

In July, The South African reported that repatriated students were struggling to continue their studies after returning to Zimbabwe, where the curriculum differs from South Africa’s CAPS syllabus.

Zimbabwean matric candidates return to SA

The ZEPcc Academy has appealed to affected Grade 12 pupils who are currently outside South Africa to contact the organisation ahead of their return.

The committee has also called on pupils who remained in South Africa but failed to register, were deregistered, missed the June rewrite examinations or experienced intimidation and bullying at school to come forward.

According to a public notice issued to parents, the affected pupils are expected to travel to South Africa before the end of this week.

“We hereby inform you that the children will be going to South Africa before end of this week. They will be staying at a boarding facility in Johannesburg, reads part of the notice,” reads part of the notice.

The arrangement is intended to give the pupils a place to stay while they prepare for and write their 2026 matric examinations.

Pupils face limited time before matric exams

The intervention comes as concerns grow over pupils whose education was disrupted after their families left South Africa.

Some Grade 12 pupils may have encountered difficulties with examination registration or other requirements after being displaced from their schools.

The situation is particularly concerning for pupils who have spent most or all of their schooling following South Africa’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

The ZEPcc Academy previously warned that Grade 12 pupils were particularly vulnerable because of their reliance on the South African curriculum.

With the October NSC examinations approaching, returning pupils will have to settle into new accommodation and resume their preparations within a short period.

Thousands of Zimbabwean children returned home

The development follows reports that thousands of Zimbabwean pupils were caught up in the disruption affecting families living in South Africa.

At least 35 000 children reportedly returned to Zimbabwe with their parents between May and September.

However, it remains unclear how many Grade 12 pupils are expected to return to South Africa through the ZEPcc Academy initiative.

There is also no clarity yet on the number of pupils who will be accommodated at the Johannesburg boarding facility or who will cover the costs of accommodation, meals and other basic necessities.

The number of affected pupils travelling from Zimbabwe also remains unclear.