Thembisa:Gauteng Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule are actively monitoring the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations. They have been visiting examination centers in Gauteng and Mpumalanga to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams for the Class of 2026.

According to South African Government News Agency, the examinations started nationwide on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with students across all nine provinces taking Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 Practical and various language papers. On Thursday, Gwarube visited Thembisa West Secondary School in Gauteng to oversee the administration of English Paper 3, focusing on the school's readiness and the measures in place to maintain the exams' integrity.

Gwarube emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and conducive environment for the examinations. She also encouraged students to approach their exams with confidence and manage their time wisely, highlighting that their hard work has led them to this significant milestone.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Mhaule, along with Mpumalanga MEC for Education Lindi Masina, visited Masana High School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. Their visit was part of ongoing efforts to ensure that all candidates sit for their exams under fair and secure conditions, maintaining the exams' credibility.

The department stressed that the integrity of the NSC exams is crucial for fair assessment and protecting the certificate's value in unlocking further educational and employment opportunities. Mhaule urged students to uphold the examination process's integrity and see matric completion as a stepping stone toward future opportunities.

Masina highlighted the improvements in the Bohlabela District, encouraging continued dedication to enhancing educational outcomes. No major irregularities have been reported since the exams began, and students are urged to remain disciplined and confident as they continue their examinations.