Education · Press ✓ 4 outlets
Matric class of 2026 is the largest full-time cohort yet, with 815,051 candidates
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said 815,051 candidates registered for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams, the largest full-time cohort (IOL, The Citizen). 268 inmates at 18 correctional services schools will write, up 56.7% on 2025 (The South African). The department said it will appeal a ruling that cleared learners of group copying (SABC News).
The exams decide university and job prospects for hundreds of thousands of learners.
Parents are asked to support learners through the exam period (SABC News).
The copying appeal shows the department is keeping a hard line on exam integrity.
DailyDrop South Africa edition No. 8 · Morning · MON., OCT. 12, 2026