By Levy Masiteng
Over 25 000 candidates across KwaZulu-Natal are registered to write the 2026 May/June National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate examinations.
During a media briefing at the Riverside Hotel in Durban North on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka said the province was fully prepared to administer the examination cycle, which officially started on Monday.
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Hlomuka said a total of 25 399 candidates had registered to write the exams across the province.
Of these, 14 240 candidates are registered under the National Senior Certificate stream, while 11 159 are registered under the Senior Certificate stream, which caters mainly for adult and out-of-school candidates completing or improving a matric qualification.
“We will not tolerate any form of malpractice. Cheating, leaking of papers, or any irregular conduct will be dealt with swiftly and decisively in terms of the law,” Hlomuka said.
“These examinations are more than just tests of knowledge. They represent second chances, new beginnings, and doors of opportunity for many who are determined to improve their lives.”
Hlomuka said his department had deployed approximately 1 000 invigilators to oversee examination sessions in about 900 examination rooms across KZN.
The province will distribute examination materials through 13 storage points and 103 distribution and collection centres.
“KwaZulu-Natal will print and distribute 99 question papers amounting to more than 8 million printed pages during the examination cycle. The examinations will consist of 23 morning sessions and 29 afternoon sessions,” Hlomuka said.
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“We have worked hard as a department to ensure that these examinations are conducted with the highest levels of integrity, security, and fairness,” Hlomuka said.
“Our examination centres are ready. Our invigilators are trained. Our question papers are secure.”
The department said that 681 markers and 65 internal moderators would be appointed for the marking process.
Marking is scheduled to begin on 3 July and conclude on 9 July, while results are expected to be released on 7 August 2026.
“To every candidate – stay focused, and write with confidence. The nation is watching and rooting for you,” Hlomuka said.
