The Matric Class of 2025 is counting down to the first day of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Exams will commence on Thursday, October 23, and proceed until Thursday, November 27.

All 583 examination centres have been successfully audited. Mpumalanga MEC for education, Lindi Masina, said candidate registration was successfully completed through the SA-SAMS system, with all data uploaded by June 30.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga departments gear up to improve school health programmes

She made the remark during the matric exam-readiness event at Cyril Clark Secondary School on Tuesday, hosted by the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE).

“A total of 69 980 candidates have registered to write the 2025 NSC examinations, an increase of 2 749 candidates compared to last year,” Masina said. Ehlanzeni District recorded the highest number in the province, with 18 764 learners, followed by Nkangala District (17 490), Gert Sibande District (17 061), and Bohlabela District (16 665).

Masina said the DoE provided the necessary support for candidate registration and data verification, with 39 of the centres being accredited independent schools.

“A comprehensive risk management plan has been developed to mitigate potential disruptions, including community protests, load-shedding, floods and other natural disasters. The printing and packaging processes for examination papers have been significantly strengthened. Indeed, the security, integrity and credibility of this examination remain our top priority,” she explained.

Masina said all storage points are centrally monitored to ensure strict compliance with security protocols in close collaboration with the SAPS.

The DoE, in partnership with the Moral Regeneration Movement, hosted a provincial prayer session at Graceland Hotel in Secunda on Thursday, October 16. All learners across the province will participate at their local examination centre and sign a pledge of good conduct on Friday, October 17. This is intended to appeal to learners’ conscience and reinforce ethical conduct throughout the examination period.

Marking will be carried out at 21 marking centres across the province from December 2 to 12. The 2025 NSC examination results will be officially announced on January 13, 2026.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience celebrates 10 years with new hit song

In 2025, the DoE implemented a comprehensive learner performance improvement plan, which included winter and spring classes, residential camps, school support visits and targeted teacher training interventions.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to communities across the province for their support to schools throughout the year. The province is confident and ready to administer an incident-free 2025 NSC examination,” said Masina.