GOOD LUCK, MATRICS! Western Cape’s 85 000 matric candidates begin 2026 exams

More than 85,000 matric candidates in the Western Cape are starting their final exams, aiming to surpass last year's pass rate of 88.2%. The 2026 National Senior Certificate exams began on October 13 with the Computer Applications Technology practical paper and will end on November 25. Western Cape Education Minister Jaco Londt attended a pledge-signing ceremony at Portland High School, where students committed to following exam rules. He urged students to avoid shortcuts and called on parents and communities to support candidates during the exam period.