Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile confirmed on 12 October 2026 that the province is prepared to begin administering the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations starting 13 October. The 2026 matric cohort in Gauteng is a record 203,794 candidates, an increase of over 11,000 from last year. Exams are scheduled to run until 26 November 2026.
The cohort includes 152,527 full-time learners and 51,267 part-time or repeater candidates. This year’s examination timetable covers 77 subjects and 155 question papers, reflecting the broad academic scope of the NSC exams across the province.
In response to previous incidents of cheating, the Gauteng Education Department plans to deploy advanced security measures to safeguard the integrity of the exam process. MEC Maile said that 1,700 examination monitors will oversee the examinations, saying, “The role of monitors is to oversee the entire examination cycle to safeguard the integrity, fairness and credibility of the testing process.”
Additionally, super scanners will be deployed at exam room entrances to detect concealed devices such as smart glasses, spy pens with hidden screens, and micro-earpieces. Maile emphasised that, “The use of these scanners at the entrance is not intended to invade the privacy of learners but to help uncover concealed hardware.”
The province processed 2,381 examination accommodations and 19 language or mathematics concessions for qualifying candidates, ensuring support for learners with special needs or disabilities. This effort aims to maintain fairness while adapting to diverse learner requirements.
Gauteng chief director for examinations, Nadine Pote, explained the consequences for candidates caught with undeclared devices: “That barring can be one, two or three successive examination barrings, which puts your matric journey then on hold, depending on the severity of your act of dishonesty.” Candidates face possible result cancellation and multiple exam bans, a strict deterrent against cheating.
These measures come as Gauteng prepares to host its largest-ever matric class. The expanded cohort and improved security protocols underscore the province’s commitment to conducting credible, fair examinations amid growing concerns over exam dishonesty nationwide.
The 2026 NSC exams mark a critical milestone for thousands of Gauteng learners aiming to complete their secondary education and progress to further study or employment. The province’s readiness reflects months of planning to manage increased candidate numbers and maintain exam standards.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue monitoring developments as the exam period progresses and provide updates on any significant issues or official announcements from Gauteng Education.