Central SA
Northern Cape targets 90% matric pass rate as candidates prepare for exams─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:45 Mon, 12 Oct 2026
The Northern Cape department of education says all systems are in place for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, with more than 17,800 candidates registered and the province aiming to surpass a 90% pass rate.
The 2026 NSC examinations begin on Tuesday (13/10), and a total of 17,804 candidates have registered to write the examinations across 149 registered examination centres in the province. Of these, 15,272 are full-time candidates, while 2,532 are part-time candidates. The examinations will conclude on Thursday, 26 November.
The department has implemented interventions to support learners in their final preparations, and attention has been given to progressed and borderline candidates. These include subject clinics, curriculum roadshows, Saturday classes, weekend lock-in sessions, holiday school camps and additional learning materials. Learners have also received access to broadcast lessons, digital learning content and psychosocial support.
“The provincial department of education is fully prepared to administer the 2026 NSC examinations, and all systems are in place to ensure their successful and credible delivery,” said Northern Cape department of education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe.
“Over the past six years, we have seen an improvement of 21.79 percentage points in the matric pass rate, rising from 66% in 2020 to 87.79% in 2025. The Class of 2026 now carries the responsibility of building on this achievement, with the aim of not only improving on last year’s performance, but surpassing the 90% pass rate.
“We urge the Class of 2026 to approach their examinations with honesty, discipline and integrity, in line with the oath they have undertaken. We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the Northern Cape proud.”
The department also called on parents, families and communities to continue providing learners with guidance, encouragement and emotional support during the examination period. It said the matric examinations represent the culmination of a 12-year partnership between government, educators, parents and communities in supporting learners’ education.
Meanwhile, Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba said it’s all systems go for the NSC exams, and the Free State education department is 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.”
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