Matric exam countdown begins

South African students are preparing for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams, which begin next week with over a million candidates participating. Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has emphasized strict security measures to prevent cheating and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
Why it matters
The matric exams are a pivotal milestone in the South African education system, determining future university and career opportunities for a large portion of the youth population.
CAPE TOWN - The final countdown is officially on for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams, with close to a million candidates across the country prepping for next week's launch.
The exams kick off on Tuesday with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and end on 25 November, packing 123 papers into the schedule.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is expected to deliver a readiness briefing on Sunday.
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