By Mapaballo Borotho
- The Class of 2026 has begun its final matric examinations, with Gauteng recording 203,794 registered candidates.
- Health officials are encouraging learners to manage exam stress through realistic study schedules, sufficient sleep and regular breaks.
- Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says additional monitors and measures have been put in place to strengthen examination oversight.
The day that many matric pupils have been anticipating since the beginning of the year has finally arrived, with the Class of 2026 officially starting their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations with Computer Applications Technology Paper One.
While the start of the final examinations marks an important milestone for learners who have spent the year preparing for this moment, the pressure to perform can also take its toll.
As candidates prepare to tackle their final papers, the Gauteng Department of Health is encouraging them to prioritise their mental and physical well-being throughout the examination period.
The department has urged learners to follow realistic study schedules, get enough sleep and take regular breaks to help manage examination-related stress.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona says unnecessary pressure should be avoided, particularly during this crucial period in learners’ academic journeys.
Parents and caregivers are also being urged to play a supportive role by offering emotional reassurance and avoiding placing unnecessary pressure on learners to perform.
“We urge parents and teachers to look out for warning signs that a learner may be struggling emotionally. This includes persistent sadness or withdrawal from family and friends,” said Mabona.
As learners navigate the weeks ahead, creating a supportive environment at home and allowing them to take breaks when needed can help them approach their examinations with greater confidence.
State of readiness for the Class of 2026
The Class of 2025 found itself at the centre of a matric examination cheating scandal last year, which implicated at least 26 pupils, including some from Gauteng.
This year, the province has recorded its largest-ever National Senior Certificate examination cohort, with 203,794 registered candidates – an increase of 11,049 compared to 2025.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has assured learners, parents and educators that systems are in place to ensure that the examinations run smoothly.
“While school principals will serve as Chief Invigilators at their centres, focused support will be provided to examination centres identified as high-risk. These are centres with high enrolment numbers, new centres, and centres that experienced examination challenges in previous cycles.
Additional personnel, including private Chief Invigilators and Resident Monitors, have been appointed and trained and will be deployed to strengthen compliance and oversight at the high-risk sites,” said Maile.
He added that oversight would be conducted through a multi-tier monitoring system involving district officials, head office teams, senior management and external oversight structures.
Approximately 1,700 monitors, including Resident Monitors, Provincial Monitors and District Monitors, will be deployed to provide comprehensive oversight throughout the examination period.
Their role is to monitor the examination process from beginning to end, safeguarding the integrity, fairness and credibility of the examinations.
A message to parents and caregivers
While much of the focus during the matric examination period is on results and academic performance, parents and caregivers are reminded that learners also need emotional support as they navigate this demanding time.
Offering encouragement, making time to listen and reassuring children that their worth extends beyond their examination results can help ease some of the pressure they may be experiencing.
As the Class of 2026 begins this important chapter, learners are encouraged to focus on their preparation, take care of themselves and approach each paper one step at a time.
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