The examinations commence on Tuesday (13/10) with the practical component of computer applications technology (CAT) Paper 1. Addressing learners at the Free State 2026 NSC pledge ceremony at the Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Centre in Qwaqwa on Friday (9/10), Ramaphosa urged candidates to commit to writing their examinations honestly and without copying others.

“If other people come to you with stolen exam papers, never even get closer to them because last year there were some students who somehow got stolen matric papers and distributed them amongst themselves. They were found, and they were banned for life. So that is a ‘death sentence’ for you. Don’t ever get tempted if anybody will come to you and says they found a matric paper.”

The warning follows an investigation into leaked examination papers in Pretoria last year, after which two officials were suspended for allegedly having stolen matric examination papers and a memorandum in their possession.

He urged learners to trust their preparation and believe in their ability to succeed without resorting to dishonesty. More than 40 000 full-time Grade 12 learners are expected to write their final examinations in the Free State, alongside thousands of part-time candidates. 

Free State department of education spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the province was ready to administer credible examinations across the province. “It’s all systems go for the 2026 October-November NSC exams, and as the Free State department of education, we are prepared to deliver credible exams. More than 40,000 full-time candidates will be writing these examinations at more than 400 centres across the Free State.”

More than 8,000 part-time candidates will also be writing the National Senior Certificate examinations in the province. The examinations will conclude on 25 November, with the rewrite of CAT and information technology (IT) scheduled for 26 November. Marking will begin on 28 November and conclude on 11 December.

Ramaphosa also encouraged learners who need academic support to approach their teachers for assistance, noting that educators share the goal of helping learners pass matric. He asked candidates to remain focused, make use of available support and avoid any conduct that could jeopardise their future.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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