By Nosipho Phetha |
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has declared itself fully prepared for the 2026 mid-term and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with provincial authorities promising tight security measures and zero tolerance for cheating.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Riverside Hotel on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the department had intensified preparations to ensure examinations are conducted fairly, securely and without disruptions across the province.
Hlomuka confirmed that examination centres are fully operational, invigilators have been trained and all question papers have been secured ahead of the examination period.
“We will not tolerate any form of malpractice, cheating, leaking of papers or irregular conduct. The credibility of our qualifications must be protected at all times,” said Hlomuka.
The department expects 25 399 candidates to sit for the senior certificate examinations this year. Of these, 14 204 candidates will write under the NSC system for learners who completed matric from 2008 onwards.More than 1 000 invigilators have been trained to oversee examination sessions, while 99 question papers will be printed and distributed through secured storage, distribution and collection centres throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
Hlomuka also revealed that 681 markers and 65 internal moderators will be appointed before or after 19 June 2026 to assist with the marking process. The examinations are scheduled to begin on 3 July 2026.Learners have been urged to arrive early at examination venues, carry their identity documents and remain calm during the examination period.
During the question-and-answer session, concerns were raised about possible disruptions caused by bad weather at schools across the province. Hlomuka assured the media that all schools in KwaZulu-Natal remain open and that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.
Questions were also raised about reports of damage at a school in Intshanga where learners were allegedly sent home. The MEC said the department would investigate the matter before issuing detailed feedback.
Addressing concerns over delayed payments to markers in 2025, Hlomuka assured education workers that no marker would work without payment this year.
