By Charmaine Ndlela
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the Class of 2026 to approach their matric examinations with honesty and discipline, warning that cheating or involvement in stolen examination papers could jeopardise their futures.
Addressing 2,174 Grade 12 learners from 13 schools at the National Pledge Signing Ceremony at the Bluegumbosch Community Multipurpose Centre in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, on Friday, Ramaphosa described the National Senior Certificate (NSC) as a passport to further education and employment.
“Your matric certificate is a record that shows that you’ve got a passport. You’ve got a free pass that takes you anywhere you want to go,” he said.
The ceremony took place four days before the examinations begin on 13 October. Ramaphosa urged learners to recognise the significance of completing 12 years of schooling and the opportunities that could follow.
“Writing your matric examination in the coming weeks is not only a milestone, it’s one of the biggest achievements that you will ever have,” he said.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by learners, their families and teachers, urging candidates to remain focused during their final preparations.
Ramaphosa encouraged learners to aim for distinctions, saying consistent effort and discipline were essential to achieving good results.
“The more effort you put in, the more you will get better results. The more effort you put in, the more you will get distinctions,” he said.
He acknowledged that some candidates had faced difficult family circumstances and challenges in the classroom, but urged them not to allow these obstacles to determine their futures.
He also encouraged learners struggling with their studies to seek assistance from their teachers and spend more time revising.
“You must aim to know your subject the fullest. Go and revise more and more,” he said.
Ramaphosa issued a stern warning against examination misconduct, telling learners to reject offers of stolen question papers and avoid anyone attempting to involve them in cheating.
He referred to cases in the previous examination cycle in which learners had obtained and distributed stolen matric examination papers, warning that those found guilty could be barred from obtaining the qualification and potentially face arrest.
“If other people come to you with stolen exam papers, you must never even get close to them,” he said.
“You will never get your matric certificate. And you could even be arrested. And you don’t want to start your life with a bad record like that.”
He urged candidates to trust their preparation rather than take shortcuts that could undermine their achievements.
The President also signed the National Pledge alongside the learners, reinforcing the commitment to honesty and integrity during the examination period.
The Department of Basic Education designated 9 October as the national day for Grade 12 learners to sign the pledge, review examination rules and commit to writing their examinations without cheating.
Ramaphosa challenged the Free State Class of 2026 to help restore the province to the top position in the national matric results, drawing on its history of strong academic performance.
“As a Free State student, you belong in the No. 1 spot. Whether they like it or not, that’s where you belong,” he said.
The Free State Department of Education said preparations were in place for the October/November 2026 NSC examinations, with 48,141 candidates expected to write at 409 examination centres across the province.
The candidates comprise 39,352 full-time and 8,789 part-time learners.
The examinations will begin on 13 October and end on 25 November. Rewrites of Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 and Information Technology Paper 1 are scheduled for 26 November at 09:00.
The department said it had finalised arrangements for examination centres, candidate registration, invigilators, monitors, secure storage and transportation of question papers, as well as marking.
High-risk centres have been identified for additional monitoring to ensure compliance with examination policies, proper invigilation and the reporting of irregularities.
Security measures include regular inspections of provincial and district storage facilities, functional alarms, double-locking systems, safes and secure, documented transportation of question papers.
Preparations for marking include the appointment of centre managers, monitors and markers. Contingency measures have also been put in place to address possible electricity and water disruptions.
“We are fully ready to deliver a credible, secure and fair examination,” the department said.
“Our 48,141 candidates have worked hard for 12 years – our duty is to give them a safe, dignified and honest environment to write. There will be no tolerance for any irregularity or security breach.”
Free State Education MEC Dr Mamikie Maboya expressed confidence in the candidates, saying she expected them to make the country proud.
“Free State will once again make South Africa proud,” she said.
The Minister of Basic Education is scheduled to announce the national matric results on 11 January 2027, followed by Maboya’s provincial announcement on 12 January. The provincial well-done function is scheduled for 15 January 2027.
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