The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has urged matric candidates and provincial education departments to remain alert to potentially disruptive weather conditions as the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations enter their final stages.
The department warned that excessive heat, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could affect examination activities in parts of the country, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of candidates and examination personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the DBE said the administration of the examinations was progressing steadily, while preparations for the marking process were being intensified.
Marking centres are expected to become operational between November 26 and 28, with the marking of examination scripts scheduled to begin on December 1.
The department identified parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Northern Cape as areas requiring particular attention because of potentially extreme temperatures.
Provinces experiencing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have also been advised to closely monitor local weather conditions, particularly where transport routes and examination venues could be affected.
Provincial education departments have been encouraged to work closely with the South African Weather Service and local disaster management authorities to ensure precautionary measures are implemented where necessary.
Examination centres have also been urged to maintain suitable conditions for learners writing their papers, including adequate ventilation, access to safe drinking water and functional sanitation facilities.
Candidates have been advised to remain hydrated, wear comfortable clothing in line with examination regulations, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and allow sufficient travelling time when weather conditions are unfavourable.
Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to help learners prepare for prevailing weather conditions.
The department stressed that the safety of candidates and examination personnel remained a priority, adding that provincial departments should activate contingency arrangements when circumstances required intervention.
Meanwhile, the DBE has raised concern about persistent absenteeism among registered candidates, particularly those writing the examinations on a part-time basis.
The department appealed to all registered candidates to honour their examination commitments and attend their scheduled papers.
It acknowledged that part-time candidates often have to balance employment, family responsibilities and their academic commitments, but urged them to remain focused and complete the examination process.
The department said it would continue working with provincial education departments to understand and address the socioeconomic circumstances that could prevent candidates from attending examinations.
As the examination period approaches its conclusion, the DBE has also reminded candidates about the importance of maintaining the integrity of the NSC qualification.
It called on learners to honour the examination pledge they signed, emphasising that honesty, fairness and compliance with examination regulations were non-negotiable.
Candidates were warned against dishonesty, receiving unauthorised assistance, possessing prohibited materials or participating in activities that could compromise examination security.
The department said such conduct undermined the credibility of the qualification and the efforts of thousands of learners who had prepared diligently for their examinations.
It emphasised that protecting the integrity of the NSC was a collective responsibility shared by candidates and everyone involved in the examination process.
As the Class of 2026 enters the final stretch, the department extended its best wishes to matric candidates, encouraging them to remain disciplined, manage their time effectively and prioritise their well-being.
It also acknowledged the contribution of educators, parents, guardians and communities in supporting learners throughout their academic journey.
With the finish line approaching, the department urged candidates to remain confident and finish their examinations strongly.
