KZN matric exams 2026
Xolani Dlamini|Published
Wybank Secondary Grade 12 pupils described English Paper 3 as manageable, although some said completing the three-hour paper was challenging.
Tomorrow pupils will write Economics P1.
The sundaytribune.co.za visited the school on Thursday to get pupils' reactions after the exam.
While pupils said the paper was not difficult, they said time management was a problem.
Elihle Gamede, said the paper was manageable.
"I would not say the paper was easy or difficult, but it was manageable. Our teachers did everything in their power to prepare us for the exams," she said.
Gamede dreams of pursuing Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal after matric.
Siyamthanda Gwala, was “so excited” to have gotten English paper three out of the way.
She described the paper as ‘challenging, which was to be expected’.
"The paper was good, but I spent the full three hours writing because I am a slow. I am glad that this paper is out of the way and I will have enough time to focus on other subjects," she said.
Gwala wants to pursue a career in logistics.
Abongwe Vidima, said the exams were great because he was well prepared for the paper.
"Everything that came out I was ready for. The paper was much better than I expected it to be. I would like to salute our teachers for ensuring that we are prepared for the examinations. I cannot wait to write my last paper," said Vidima.
He wants to study engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal is leading the other provinces with 203 815 matric candidates for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
The exams officially started on October 13, and will end on November 26.
During a recent media briefing, KZN MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka assured that the department was fully prepared for the exams.
"This year’s examination cycle is a significant milestone in the implementation of our provincial strategy to improve the education system and its outcomes. This year’s number of registered candidates increased by 7916 compared to 2025, the biggest the province has ever had, and the highest in the country."
He said the growth in the number of candidates was a demonstration that more pupils are reaching the final stage of their schooling and presents the province.
He emphasised that his department ensured pupil support ahead of the exams through winter and spring programmes.
“The programmes focused on revision of previous papers, clustering schools to address challenges, camp sessions, and hybrid models. In addition to the interventions, the department introduced virtual therapy, focusing on the mental well-being of learners, said Hlomuka.
As this year is the first time the exams are conducted during the election period, the MEC assured that necessary measures have been put in place to limit the impact of IEC processes in schools.
According to the provincial education department, approximately 31 156 invigilators had been trained to manage examination sessions in approximately 1766 examination centres.
A total of 12 386 members of the marking team will be appointed.
The MEC ensured that all systems were strengthened for identification, prevention, and management of examination irregularities.
On Monday, pupils will write IsiZulu P3.