The farewell celebrations have faded, the final school bell has rung, and the focus has shifted to examination papers as the Class of 2026 faces its final academic test.
With the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations having commenced on Tuesday, 13 October, nearly a million registered matric candidates across South Africa are entering a defining period of their schooling, carrying years of preparation, ambition and determination into the examination room.
At Northlands Girls’ High School, the occasion was marked by an emotional farewell as matric pupils rang the school bell one last time, bringing their high school journey full circle. For many, the same bell had welcomed them as Grade 8 pupils five years earlier.
Now, standing on the threshold of adulthood, they face their final examinations with aspirations for promising futures and the determination to make their hard work count.
Their farewell comes as Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube declared the country ready for the examinations, announcing a record 962 832 registered candidates, comprising 815 051 full-time and 147 781 part-time candidates.
Speaking in Pretoria on Sunday, 11 October, Gwarube confirmed that approximately 7 100 examination centres had been established nationwide, with examination materials approved by Umalusi and security measures strengthened.
“All candidates have been provided with all the support they would need to perform, and I am happy to declare that learners are ready for the 2026 NSC Exams,” she said.
Beyond academic readiness, the department has emphasised the importance of protecting matriculants from external disruptions that could compromise their ability to perform.
Gwarube issued a firm appeal to communities, political groups and those engaged in service delivery protests not to interfere with examinations or prevent candidates from accessing schools.
“I appeal to communities not to prejudice the Matric Class of 2026 by disrupting the NSC Exams for service delivery, political, or socio-economic dissatisfaction. The NSC candidates cannot resolve societal problems; it is Ministers, as elected representatives, who must account. Please do not go to schools; come to our offices in Pretoria and in parliament,” she said.
Her appeal underscored the importance of ensuring that grievances over service delivery, political disputes and other community concerns do not deprive pupils of the opportunity to write their examinations in a safe, uninterrupted environment.
The department has adopted contingency measures to address potential disruptions, including severe weather and community unrest, while appealing to all South Africans to recognise their collective responsibility to safeguard the examination period.
For matriculants already navigating immense academic expectations, further uncertainty caused by protests, intimidation or blocked access to examination venues could place unnecessary pressure on an already demanding experience.
At Northlands, pupils spoke candidly about balancing their ambitions with the emotional and psychological demands of their final examinations.
Heart Pillar leader Lisakhanya Mbatha said she had chosen to channel examination pressure into determination rather than allow it to become overwhelming.
“The pressure brought onto me is not crafted into a blanket of fear but of motivation or as the LO textbook would call it, eustress,” she said.
Reflecting on the confidence and resilience she had developed throughout her schooling, Mbatha added: “As my high school journey draws to a close, I carry with me values of commitment, integrity and compassion because when a Northlands Girl starts something she finishes it. I am not sad. I feel happy.”
Assembly Portfolio leader Othandiwe Mthwana acknowledged the considerable expectations accompanying the examinations but remained determined to approach each paper with confidence in her preparation.
“As I prepare for my final matric examinations, I am experiencing a mixture of excitement, nervousness and pressure. I know how important this period is for my future, so I am trying to stay focused and remind myself to trust the work I have put in. Although the expectations can feel overwhelming at times, I want to give it my best and finish this chapter knowing that I tried my hardest,” she said.
Mthwana, who hopes to pursue a career in engineering, credited her experiences at Northlands with instilling the importance of leadership, responsibility and perseverance.
For Home Pillar leader and RCL chairperson Ilitha Peyana, the examination period represents an opportunity to pursue the academic results necessary to realise her ambitions in the business world.
“My mind is set on doing what I can to achieve the best results that I know I am capable of achieving. I have been standing on this phrase: ‘It’s never too late to be who you wanted to be’,” she said.
Head of Human Resources Portfolio Riyah Govender emphasised the importance of remaining disciplined and trusting the effort invested throughout the academic year.
“My goal is to walk into each examination knowing that I gave myself every opportunity to succeed and to leave matric with no regrets,” she said.
Govender also reflected on the symbolism of ringing the school bell one last time, describing it as a reminder of the opportunities awaiting the Class of 2026.
“The final bell symbolises the transition from everything I have known to everything I have yet to discover,” she said.
The bell-ringing tradition formed part of Northlands Girls’ High School’s annual Speech Day and Awards Ceremony, which celebrated excellence across academics, sport and culture.
Subhadra Naicker received the prestigious Elizabeth Hartmann Trophy as the 2026 Dux, with Dia Govender securing runner-up and Amakha Ngcobo placing third. Guest of honour and alumna Dr Xolile Mdletshe delivered an inspirational address, encouraging pupils to embrace opportunities with determination and an enduring commitment to learning.
Meanwhile, Gwarube urged parents and guardians to recognise the importance of providing a stable and supportive home environment throughout the examination period.
“So, we appeal to parents, not to burden learners with a load of household chores nor expect them to run family errands. Please give them the space and support they need to perform at their very best in these exams,” she said.
With examinations now under way, the responsibility of supporting the Class of 2026 extends beyond schools and households. Communities also have an important role in ensuring that matriculants have the peace, security and uninterrupted access to examination venues necessary to complete their examinations.
Tabloid Newspapers extends its warmest wishes to every matriculant across KwaZulu-Natal undertaking the 2026 final examinations. May your preparation inspire confidence, your perseverance be rewarded and your results reflect the dedication you have invested in your education.
