The Department of Basic Education (DBE) says the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations are approaching the halfway mark with no major incidents that threaten the credibility and integrity of the exams.

In a statement issued on 30 October, the department reported steady progress and said preparations for marking are under way.

Taxi violence in the Western Cape

The department flagged reports of taxi-related violence in parts of the Western Cape that could disrupt transport for learners and examination staff. It said it is working with the Western Cape Education Department to manage the risk.

Learner wellbeing

The statement stressed learner wellbeing during the examination period. It closed with a message to candidates: "The message to the Class of 2026 is clear: Stay focused, remain confident and finish strong. The nation is behind you."

What we do not yet know

  • The statement gave no figures on candidate numbers, absenteeism or incidents, so the scale of any disruption is not known.
  • Which areas of the Western Cape are most affected by the taxi violence.
  • Whether the 4 November local government elections will affect any exam sittings. The statement did not address this.