BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State commenced the Grade 12 national exams positively, as more than 3 000 learners across the province wrote the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) subject. They are part of the 48 141-strong cohort – 39 352 full-time and 8 789 part-time candidates, confirmed to write their 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

MEC Dr Julia Maboya expressed satisfaction with the state of learners’ preparation and measures the department has in place to ensure exams go as planned. She was speaking during her special visit to the Bloemfontein-based Brebner High School today as part of ensuring a smooth start.

Measures in place to ensure smooth progress include technicians on standby to deal with any glitches and generators as backup at all venues in case of power failure. The province has 413 centres where candidates will write their exams.

Maboya maintains that the CAT subject is one of the subjects in which it is possible to attain a distinction because of its nature. She led the provincial department in laying down ground rules for the exams, hosting the National Senior Certificate Pledge Signing ceremony, committing learners to honesty, integrity, and fair practices. The provincial ceremony was last Friday at Bluegumbosch in Qwaqwa in the eastern Free State.

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In terms of the Department of Basic Education’s planning, this year’s exams will end on 25 November followed by marking from 28 November until 20 December. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will announce the results on 11 January 2027.