Western Cape matric exams reach halfway point as WCED warns against cheating

Western Cape matric candidates have completed 95 of the 190 scheduled examination papers after the first 14 days of the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams.

Western Cape Education Minister Jaco Londt said on Thursday, November 5, that 28 examination sessions had been completed despite localised unrest and transport disruptions. He also warned candidates against cheating.

Describing the process as a “massive logistical undertaking,” Londt expressed gratitude to the principals, teachers, officials, and support staff who managed the operations under volatile local conditions.

“This has been particularly important given the challenges we have faced as a result of violence in certain communities and disruptions to the transport system,” Londt said. 

“During this volatile period, our exam teams—alongside Western Cape Education Department (WCED) district officials and schools—responded with urgency and efficiency, demonstrating the strength of our collective efforts to support our candidates,” he said.

12 candidates flagged for irregularities

Despite generally smooth operations, the WCED reported a dozen exam irregularities across the province during the first two weeks:

A total of twelve candidates were caught engaging in exam irregularities: six were found carrying crib notes, and another six were caught with unauthorised electronic devices, including cellphones.

Londt issued a direct caution to the province’s matriculants, warning that attempting to compromise exam integrity carries severe disciplinary penalties.

“Our message to candidates is simple: do not be foolish and put your matric results at risk by attempting to cheat,” he said.

“Every candidate has signed an examination agreement and is well aware of the rules. Being found with a cellphone, smart device or crib notes in an examination room can have severe consequences, including being barred from writing the NSC examinations for up to three examinations,” Londt added.

Advice to candidates

With three weeks of testing left on the calendar, the department has urged learners to prioritise their wellbeing and time management. 

Candidates are advised to arrive at test venues at least one hour before start times to ensure they are present for the reading of exam rules and the mandatory pre-exam reading period.

“After years of hard work, it is simply not worth taking that risk,” Londt said, encouraging learners to remain focused and finish the final phase of their school careers with confidence.

Cape Argus