The heat is truly on for the Class of 2026 as they write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations amidst extreme weather conditions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the El Niño weather pattern may bring above-normal temperatures, heatwaves, and even flooding from October to December 2026. On a lighter note, a snake slithered into one of the examination centres last week, seeking refuge from the scorching heat. The situation was swiftly and safely resolved, with no learners or invigilators harmed.
Recent reports indicate that the NSC examinations are progressing smoothly across all provinces. Basic Education Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, convenes daily reflection meetings at 06:00 with National and Provincial examination teams. These early morning sessions significantly enhance monitoring, allowing provinces to provide real-time updates on examination administration across centres and identify areas requiring additional support or intervention. A daily weather report is also shared to aid in logistical planning.
A multidisciplinary approach is being utilised to ensure learners are holistically supported while writing their NSC examinations. This team comprises not only officials from the Examinations Chief Directorate directly involved in the conduct, administration, and management of the exams, but also representatives from Psychosocial Support Services, Communications, and the Office of the Director-General.
Navigating extreme weather conditions, the weather team has advised teachers and learners to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Thunderstorms and localised flooding are expected to potentially disrupt scholar transport and obstruct roads in low-lying areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Provinces. Meanwhile, heatwaves, high UV levels, and possible fires may affect inland provinces such as the Free State, Gauteng, and the North West. Consequently, it is imperative that all examination centres are well-ventilated and provide learners with adequate drinking water.
DG Mweli indicated a zero tolerance for learner exclusion and the illegal practice of principals discouraging learners from writing the exams, which includes deregistering them during the academic year leading up to the examinations. He issued a stern warning: “Those who continue with this practice will be suspended and face serious disciplinary consequences”.
Ms Simoné Geyer, DDG for Delivery and Support, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that decisive action must be taken against principals who prevent candidates from writing. She advised that the annual pledge should include a formal commitment from principals to refrain from this practice going forward.
The morning monitoring meetings are led by Ms Priscilla Ogunbanjo, Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examinations, and Mr Christo Thurston, Acting Director for Public Examinations. In response to the DG’s comments, Ms Ogunbanjo noted that Heads of Examinations (HoEs) have taken various steps to deter principals from this illegal act. In the Free State, the Acting Director and his team met with Chief Invigilators to address this matter, alongside late coming and other pertinent issues observed during the first two weeks of the exams. KwaZulu-Natal has issued a follow-up circular to E11 of 2026, which was issued by the DBE on 28 September 2026. Furthermore, the Communications Chief Directorate is rolling out various advocacy campaigns to send a strong message against principals preventing learners from writing the examinations under any circumstances.
Comprehensive support for learner well-being continued. In instances where learners fell ill, arrangements were made for them to complete their papers in hospital under strict examination protocols. Learners who are ultimately unable to write or complete their examinations will have another opportunity to do so during the May/June 2027 examinations. Mr Thurston noted that by Friday, 30 October 2026, a total of 98 question papers (51.5%) will have been written. The NSC examinations are scheduled to conclude on 26 November 2026.
Mr Stanley Ndlovo, Chief Director for Care and Support in schools, highlighted that enhanced support is being provided to safeguard the well-being of learners experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, burnout, and suicidal thoughts. A standardised template for reporting these incidents, along with a comprehensive protocol for future use during examinations, is currently being developed.
Mr Seliki Tlhabane, Acting DDG for Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring, advised that due to high absenteeism rates amongst part-time learners, minimum requirements for this cohort should be compiled, benchmarking both deterrents and incentives. He also suggested that a comparative analysis of trends and protocols over the past three years be conducted to evaluate past incidents and inform future interventions.
With protest action already commencing in a few provinces ahead of the Local Government Elections, Mr Mweli cautioned Provincial Education Departments to remain on high alert to maintain integrity amidst external challenges. This is to ensure the safety of learners and invigilators, as well as to protect the integrity of the NSC examinations. He advised provinces to work collaboratively with Provincial Joint Operations Centres (PROVJOCS) for comprehensive logistical support, whilst reiterating the critical importance of psychosocial support throughout the examination period.