Brief
Umalusi says 2026 matric exams ready for over 1 million learners
Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi reports that the assessment system is broadly ready for the upcoming year‑end examinations.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi told a Pretoria media briefing on 8 October that the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Independent Examinations Board and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute are broadly ready to administer the 2026 year‑end examinations.
According to the agency, 1,079,879 candidates will sit for the General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training, the National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 and the National Senior Certificate. Exams are slated to begin on 13 October at 9,183 examination centres across the country.
Umalusi’s state‑of‑readiness audit ran from 24 August to 30 September. The audit examined candidate registration, staffing at examination and marking centres, external moderation of internal assessments and question papers, security measures for printing, packaging, storage and distribution of question papers, mark‑capturing systems and structures for managing examination irregularities. The agency said it externally moderated and approved 283 subject question papers across three qualifications and four assessment bodies, confirming their validity, fairness and reliability.
Rakometsi noted that while the audit identified a few non‑systemic concerns, corrective measures are being implemented and closely monitored. Specific attention will remain on marker capacity for Afrikaans Home Language, English Home Language and History.
All candidates have received examination admission letters and timetables. Concessions such as extra time, Braille and large‑print adaptations have been granted to eligible learners in line with policy.
Umalusi also said that a desktop evaluation was used for existing centres, while a physical audit was carried out for new centres, and that each centre has been profiled according to its risk level.
Key facts
- Umalusi confirmed readiness for the 2026 matric exams covering 1,079,879 candidates. (bizcommunity.com)
- Exams are scheduled to start on 13 October 2026 at 9,183 centres. (bizcommunity.com)
- Umalusi audited the system from 24 August to 30 September 2026. (bizcommunity.com)
- 283 subject question papers were externally moderated and approved. (bizcommunity.com)
- Concessions for extra time, Braille and large‑print formats have been granted. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Umalusi gives green light for 2026 matric exams covering over 1m candidates”
