A WARNING has been issued to those who will cheat as the writing of the senior matric exams has started as well as those who are writing the National Senior Certificate exams in KwaZulu-Natal.
This warning was issued by the Minister of Education in the province, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, yesterday, as there were 25,399 who wrote these exams. Hlomuka said they will face the law if they go against the rules of the exams.
“We will not tolerate those who will be caught cheating or leaking papers as the exams have started. The dignity of the exams must be protected at all times. Those who will be caught breaking the rules of the exams will face the law,” said Hlomuka.
He said there are 14,240 students who wrote the National Senior Certificate matric from 2008 until now. There are 11,159 matric pre-2008 students who are writing.
“1,000 exam invigilators have been trained, in 900 writing areas. 681 markers have been appointed and their employment letters will be issued on June 19.”
The marking of papers is expected to start on July 3, and be completed on July 9.
“The results will be released on August 7, 2026. About 8 million papers will be processed.”
He said they have made plans to deal with climate change as it is being written.
“We have ongoing discussions to ensure that nothing interferes with the tests, including the weather.”
He urged the writers to come to the writing centers early, and bring their writing books with them.
He also reminded them not to forget their IDs and said that if they write they will not be in a hurry.
“Let them calm down, don’t hesitate. Let them believe that they are writing something they worked hard to read.”
He also appealed to parents, the community and teachers to support those who write. He also revealed that they are planning for the end of the year matric exams.
He also revealed that next month there will be mid-year matric exams to test the readiness of students to write the end-of-year exams. He said he will reveal more when he presents the department’s budget to the Legislature on June 12, 2026.
It will be remembered that this province made history by beating all other provinces in last year’s matric results. This province is doing well despite the constraints in the financial department.
These constraints make the department unable to pay school fees on time known as Norms and Standards. You can’t even pay your contractors on time, including those who buy textbooks.
Last year the department failed to buy textbooks for schools, it was only able to buy stationery because of the money.