“This is the biggest cohort ever in the province, which exceeds 200 000 for the first time and the examination will be administered across 1065 examination centres this year. There are very strict control measures in place to ensure that indeed the right paper arrives on the right desk and at the right time for the learner that is registered to write that particular subject,” said the GDE’s director for examinations and assessment, Nadine Pote.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile noted that the record number of matric candidates registered in the province this year reflects a growing population.
He said the increase has added pressure on the provincial education system to ensure there are enough facilities and resources to meet the demand.
Maile added that the GDE must ensure that the rising number of learners translates into better educational outcomes, with more young people completing their schooling successfully.
“This is a reflection of both the quantitative increase in the population of Gauteng and by extension, its learner population. As well as a reflection of the trust, qualitative strength of the education system in the province. For the 2026 examination, all three categories of candidates, namely full-time, part-time and repeaters, have seen an increase.”
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Anelitha Fandese
www.ewn.co.za
