Close to 100 000 Grade 12 learners in the Western Cape will sit down for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which officially start with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) on Tuesday 13 October.

Jaco Londt, MEC for education in the Western Cape, wished the class of 2026 well for the examination period, which officially ends on Wednesday 25 November.

A total of 71 302 full-time and 13 834 part-time and repeat NSC candidates will be sitting for the exams in the province, Londt pointed out. “The 2025 class achieved a pass rate of 88,2% for the NSC exams, a marked improvement from 2024’s 86,6%. This year, we are hopeful of improving on last year’s result,” he related.

“Our province also had the highest retention rate last year, and we are continuing to concentrate on the quality of our passes, especially considering national education minister Siviwe Gwarube’s announcement of a move towards new quality indicators.”

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Support at hand

Londt thanked all school principals, Grade 12 teachers, tutors and officials who aided the province’s NSC candidates with their preparations, as well as parents and guardians for their support of the learners.

“This is a stressful time for your children, so they need all your love, care, and support right now. If you know of any learners who are struggling, reach out to the Western Cape Education Department for helpSchools can call the Safe Schools Hotline [0800 45 46 47 toll free] that can connect learners with help from our sister departments and NGOs,” Londt said.”I want to ask communities to also work with us to ensure a calm and peaceful environment for our matriculants. They have worked hard to get to this moment and deserve all our support!”

‘Remain focused’

The MEC also reminded learerns of academic support resources available on the department’s website, including past exam question papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides and subject-specific academic support, study tips, information on funding for further studies, health and wellbeing support resources, and free internet and related services.

“To the matriculants: It is now the final stretch. For the next couple of weeks, please remain focused,” Londt said. “Do not be tempted to take a shortcut, it is simply not worth it. You have all signed a pledge to adhere to the exam rules, so please abide by these. Hard work, discipline and constructive breaks in between studying are needed right now. Celebrations will come later. Make yourselves, your families and your communities proud!”

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