After months of preparation, late-night studying and countless revision sessions, KwaZulu-Natal’s matric Class of 2026 has reached one of the biggest milestones of their school careers, with more than 300 000 candidates beginning their final examinations this week.
For learners across the province, including those at Westville Girls’ High School, the start of the examinations brings a mixture of nerves, excitement and determination as they prepare to put years of hard work to the test.
As candidates settle into their examination routines, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education says preparations are in place for the examination period, including a pilot mental health support programme aimed at helping learners cope with the pressure.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the province was ready
for the examinations, with plans in place to print, secure and distribute about 32 million examination papers to more than 1700 examination centres.
Hlomuka welcomed a four percent increase in full-time candidates compared with the previous year, saying this suggested fewer learners were leaving school before reaching Grade 12. His message to candidates was to believe in themselves and the work they had put in, while drawing strength from the support of teachers, parents and communities.
“The biggest enemy that seeks to undermine your preparation is anxiety,” Hlomuka said,
urging learners to approach each examination with discipline, confidence and determination.
The province is also aiming to maintain or improve on its 90% matric pass rate achieved in 2025. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education head, Nkosinathi Ngcobo said comparisons of learner performance during the first and second terms indicated that the province was on track to match, or potentially improve, on last year’s results.
Nationally, 962 832 candidates registered for the October / November 2026 examinations, including 815 051 full-time candidates and 147 781 part-time candidates, making this the largest full-time matric cohort to date.
Westville Girls’ High School management has rallied behind its matric class, encouraging the girls to trust their preparation and believe in themselves as they begin their final examinations. “As our Matric Class of 2026 begins their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, we wish each of our girls the very best of luck. May your hard work, dedication and perseverance carry you through this important milestone,” the school said.
Management added that the entire school community was behind the learners, urging them to make themselves proud. For Westville Girls’ High School matriculant Zahra Kajee, the start of the finals brings a mixture of nerves, anticipation and confidence. “It’s incredibly daunting to be faced with such an important series of exams, but through my friends and family’s support, I feel confident that I can do my best,” she said.
Kajee said reaching the end of matric had once seemed a distant prospect, making the moment feel almost surreal. “Although I’m nervous about starting my finals, I’m pleased with my preparation and grateful to my teachers at Westville Girls’ High School for all their support and guidance. I remain confident that these exams will yield great results,” Kajee added.
Fellow WGHS matriculant, Nosihle Gcabashe said consistent revision and practising past examination papers had been central to her preparation. She said she had been dedicating extra time to subjects and topics she found challenging, while remaining optimistic about the results of her hard work. “My message to fellow matriculants is to believe in themselves before seeking validation from others and to remember that, regardless of the outcome, they should take pride in knowing they have given their best,” Gcabashe said.
As the examinations continue over the coming weeks, learners will be drawing on the support of their families, teachers and communities while putting their knowledge to the test. For many, the results will help determine their next steps, whether pursuing university studies, vocational training or entering the world of work.
For now, the message to the Class of 2026 is clear: Stay focused and give every paper your best shot.
