Parliament, Tuesday, 13 October 2026 – The Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has wished the Class of 2026 well as 962 832 candidates prepare to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Ms Maimela called on all learners to remain focused, confident and committed to giving their best.
The October/November examinations include 815 051 full-time candidates and 147 781 part-time candidates, the largest full-time cohort to date. Examinations will be conducted at approximately 7 100 examination centres nationwide, supported by 189 marking centres and 51 104 recruited markers.
The examinations begin today, with some candidates taking Computer Applications and others taking foreign languages. The full cohort will begin their examinations on Thursday, when they write the English examination.
“The Class of 2026 has worked hard to reach this important milestone,” the Chairperson said. “We encourage every candidate to remain focused, manage their time carefully and approach each examination with confidence and integrity. We wish them every success as they take this important step towards their future.”
The Chairperson urged parents and guardians to provide learners with a supportive environment during the final preparation period. “This is a very strenuous period in their academic journey. It culminates 12 years of schooling in one final examination. We therefore call on parents, families, friends, educators, officials and communities at large to help create the best possible conditions for these learners to succeed,” Ms Maimela said.
She also commended teachers, principals, invigilators and examination officials for their contribution to preparing candidates and safeguarding the integrity of the examinations. Ms Maimela called on communities to refrain from disrupting examination activities, stressing that candidates must be allowed to write without interference. Community grievances must be pursued through appropriate channels without jeopardising learners’ educational opportunities.
“To the Class of 2026, give these examinations your very best. Believe in your preparation, remain calm and remember that the nation is behind you.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS JOY MAIMELA
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour