Half way through the November 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations twelve matric candidates in the Western Cape have been caught cheating.

Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt said six candidates had been caught with unauthorised electronic devices, including cellphones, while another six were found with unauthorised notes.

Candidates found with cellphones, smart devices or unauthorised notes in examination rooms face serious consequences, including being barred from writing the NSC examinations for up to three examination sessions.

“After years of hard work, it is simply not worth taking that risk,” Londt said.

The examinations have reached the halfway mark, with 14 examination days completed and 95 of the 190 scheduled question papers written.

Londt thanked principals, teachers, invigilators, examination officials and support staff for their work in ensuring the examinations ran smoothly.

He said violence in certain communities and disruptions to the transport system had presented challenges, but examination teams, district officials and schools had responded to ensure candidates received the necessary support.

With three weeks of examinations remaining, Londt urged candidates to remain focused, prepare thoroughly and look after their wellbeing.

He also advised candidates to arrive at examination venues at least an hour before the scheduled starting time to allow for the reading of examination rules and the prescribed reading period.

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