Education department urges vigilance as heat and storms pose risks to matric exams

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has urged provincial education departments and matric candidates to prepare for potentially disruptive weather as the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations enter their final stages.

The department has raised concerns about extreme heat, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms that could disrupt examination activities in several parts of South Africa.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the department identified parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Northern Cape as areas that require particular attention because of high temperatures.

It also urged provinces experiencing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to monitor local conditions, especially possible disruptions to transport routes and examination centres.

Extreme heat raises concerns at examination centres

DBE spokesperson Terence Khala said the department had experienced challenges in provinces including Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, where extreme heat had raised concerns.

He also highlighted intense heat conditions in Gauteng.

Khala said the department was working to ensure examination centres had enough drinking water and adequate ventilation to provide suitable conditions for candidates.

The department has urged provincial education authorities to work closely with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and local disaster management teams to introduce precautionary measures where necessary.

It has also called on examination centres to provide safe drinking water, functional sanitation facilities and adequate ventilation.

Candidates should stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and allow extra travelling time when adverse weather affects their routes.

The department has also encouraged provincial authorities to activate contingency plans if weather conditions threaten examinations.

Matric marking preparations underway

Despite the weather concerns, the department says examinations are progressing steadily across the country.

However, it remains concerned about persistent absenteeism among part-time candidates and has urged them to attend their remaining examination papers.

Meanwhile, preparations for marking are gathering pace.

Marking centres are expected to become operational between November 26 and 28, with marking scheduled to start on December 1.

The department has also reminded candidates to uphold examination rules and avoid cheating or other forms of misconduct.

It says the safety of candidates and examination personnel remains a priority as the Class of 2026 approaches the end of the examination period.