KwaZulu-Natal reports readiness for record matric examination cohort

KwaZulu-Natal education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said on October 12, 2026 that the province was ready for National Senior Certificate examinations, with a record 203,815 candidates registered.

The cohort includes 188,102 full-time candidates and 15,713 part-time candidates. That is 7,916 more than last year. Hlomuka described the examinations as the largest operation of their kind yet conducted by the province.

Speaking at a briefing in Durban, he said contingency arrangements covered bad weather and other potential disruptions. The department was also coordinating measures to reduce the impact of electoral processes on schools serving as examination centres.

About 31,156 invigilators have been trained in examination rules, procedures and protocols. The department said it had strengthened systems for identifying, preventing and managing irregularities.

The examination period runs from October 13 to November 26. Marking is scheduled for December 2–11. Hlomuka's statement concerns preparations and does not report examination results.