KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka outlines measures to prevent disruptions in the upcoming examinations.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has assured stakeholders that measures are in place to prevent a repeat of the disruptions experienced during last year’s mid-term examinations, which were linked to challenges with the distribution of norms and standards funding.
Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka acknowledged the 2025 disruption during a media briefing on the readiness for the 2026 May/June National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate (SC) examinations.
Reflecting on 2025, Hlomuka said they had challenges with finances, but Treasury agreed that examinations cannot be disrupted.
“We are certain that we will also meet the target that we have set for ourselves,” Hlomuka said.
He said last year’s interruption, in June, was related to challenges of norms and standards with some schools receiving norms and standards, while others did not.
“We don’t think there will be any disruption,” Hlomuka said.
“But if there are disruptions, we’ll also deal with those challenges and report to the public because education is an interest of everyone. It needs everyone. That’s why we also appreciate the role played by communities in ensuring that they protect our education institutions.”
Hlomuka said that this year, they have worked hard to ensure that the examinations are conducted with the highest standards of integrity, security, and fairness.
“Our examination centres are ready. Our invigilators are trained. Our question papers are secure. We will not tolerate any form of malpractice. Cheating, leaking of papers, or any irregular conduct will be dealt with swiftly and decisively in terms of the law. The credibility of our qualifications must be protected at all costs,” Hlomuka said.
He said the department is ready to hold the NSC and SC examinations for the 25,399 registered candidates.
Hlomuka said that the candidates will be sitting for the two examination systems namely:
He said their examination system trained approximately 1,000 invigilators to manage the examination sessions in approximately 900 examination rooms.
“The distribution of examination material will be done through 13 storage points and 103 distribution and collection centres. The province of KwaZulu-Natal will print 99 question papers, which will total 8,076,000 prints. There will be 23 morning and 29 afternoon sessions in the 2026 National Senior Certificate examination,” Hlomuka said.
Moreover, the department conducted advocacy training of chief invigilators and invigilators.
“The district’s core team has also done training of chief invigilators and invigilators so that we have irregularity-free examinations. The department has all systems in place including to deal with inclement weather and the continuous engagement with JOCOM to ensure that the examinations are credible,” Hlomuka said.
The MEC added that markers have been selected and letters will be released on or before June 19, 2026. A total of 681 markers and 65 internal moderators will be appointed. The marking session will commence on July 3, and conclude on July 9, 2026. Results will be released on August 7, 2026.
“Given all the preparations, the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal is confident of the readiness for the 2026 May/June National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate examinations,” Hlomuka said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za