By Zuko Komisa

- The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable has been amended to pause testing from 3 to 5 November and on 9 November for the Local Government Elections.
- The schedule adjustment aims to protect learners from election-related disruptions, including political rallies and community protests.
- Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi has appealed to political and community leaders to keep polling activities clear of school grounds so candidates are not disadvantaged.
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable has been adjusted to accommodate the upcoming Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November. Examinations will pause from Tuesday, 3 November through Thursday, 5 November, resuming on Friday, 6 November. Monday, 9 November has also been designated as a non-examination day.
This amendment aims to protect learners from potential election-related disruptions, such as community protests and political gatherings.
Speaking at a readiness briefing, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer Mafu Rakometsi noted that similar adjustments were successfully implemented during the 2021 elections to safeguard the examination process.
“Umalusi has previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations. Because the local government elections on 4 November coincide with the examination period, related political activities may affect examination operations… Umalusi urges all stakeholders, including political and community leaders, principals, teachers and parents, to minimise the disruption caused by political activities, especially in the vicinity of schools serving as examination centres.”
— Mafu Rakometsi, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer
To ensure operations run smoothly, Umalusi is collaborating with assessment bodies, provincial education departments, and local authorities.
Because many schools double as polling stations while hosting weekend and holiday preparation classes, Rakometsi urged political leaders, teachers, and parents to minimise disturbances near examination centres.
The national NSC examinations officially commenced on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Umalusi emphasised that all stakeholders must support candidates during this crucial period, ensuring no learner is unfairly disadvantaged by political activities.
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