Matric exams paused for local government elections

The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable has been adjusted to accommodate the November 4 local government elections, with examinations taking a break from November 3 to 5 before resuming on November 6.

According to the South African Government News Agency (SAnews), Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi confirmed the adjustment during a state of readiness briefing on October 8.

Monday, November 9, is also scheduled as a non-examination day.

The changes aim to minimise disruptions caused by election-related activities, including political gatherings and community protests, which could affect examination centres.

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Rakometsi said the timetable had been adjusted, as it was during the 2021 elections, to protect the integrity of the examination process.

Umalusi will work with assessment bodies, provincial education departments and other stakeholders to ensure election activities do not interfere with examinations.

“Umalusi has previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations,” Rakometsi said.

He called on communities to help ensure examinations proceed without incident, particularly at schools that serve as both examination centres and voting stations.

Many schools hold extra classes during weekends and holidays to help candidates prepare for their examinations, he said.

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Rakometsi urged political and community leaders, principals, teachers and parents to minimise disruptions, especially around schools used as examination centres.

He emphasised the importance of supporting candidates during this critical stage of their education and ensuring no learner is unfairly disadvantaged by election-related activities.

The 2026 NSC examinations began on October 13 and are taking place nationwide.