Qwaqwa:South Africa's Class of 2026 has pledged to uphold honesty, discipline, and integrity as they prepare to begin their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the pledge-signing ceremonies were held at schools across the country on Friday. These events reaffirmed matric candidates' commitment to academic excellence and ethical conduct as they approach the culmination of their schooling careers.
At the provincial pledge-signing ceremony at the Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Centre in Qwaqwa, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed Free State matriculants. He urged learners to remain focused and not let a momentary lapse in judgment jeopardize years of hard work and sacrifice. The President praised the learners for reaching this milestone and acknowledged the sacrifices made by learners, their families, teachers, and tutors in preparing for the examinations.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the progress made by learners from no-fee schools in townships and rural areas, noting their achievements as evidence of personal dedication and progress in building an equitable education system. He encouraged the Free State, which previously held the country's highest matric pass rate, to reclaim its top position after being surpassed by KwaZulu-Natal in 2025.
Meanwhile, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, speaking at the pledge-signing ceremony at Fezeka Secondary School in the Western Cape, urged learners to approach the examinations with integrity and discipline. She warned against examination irregularities, emphasizing that academic dishonesty could have serious consequences for learners' future opportunities.
Deputy Minister of Basic Education Reginah Mhaule, attending the ceremony at Riverside High School in Gauteng, emphasized that the pledges represent more than compliance with examination rules; they signify a commitment to academic excellence, integrity, discipline, and responsibility.
The 2026 NSC examinations will begin with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical on Tuesday, 13 October, and conclude on Thursday, 26 November 2026. Learners have been advised to consult the official examination timetable to confirm dates, times, and subjects for their respective papers. South Africa's leadership has emphasized that discipline, honesty, and determination are essential for success during this examination period.