Western Cape Begins 30-Day Countdown to 2026 Matric Exams

The Western Cape has begun its 30-day countdown to the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, with more than 71,000 full-time matric candidates expected to write their final exams.

The examinations will start on 13 October with Computer Applications Technology, or CAT, and conclude on 25 November.
A total of 71,300 full-time candidates are registered across the province.

The exams will be written at 485 centres, including 477 high schools, seven primary schools and one correctional services facility serving part-time candidates.

The Western Cape will also deploy around 2,600 community invigilators and 3,857 markers, with 123 exam papers scheduled to be written.

The Western Cape Education Department says teachers, tutors and officials have been working to prepare learners for the exams.

More than 31,000 matric learners attended #BackOnTrack winter school classes during the mid-year holiday. Revision classes will also be offered during the upcoming third-term break.

Learners can access past exam papers and memoranda, video tutorials, study guides, subject support, study tips and information on further study funding through the Western Cape Education Department's matric support resources.

The department is also encouraging learners struggling with stress or mental health concerns to seek help. The Safe Schools Hotline is available toll-free on 0800 45 46 47.

Education Minister Jaco Londt has urged parents, guardians and communities to protect learners' study time and support them during the final weeks before the examinations.

He has also encouraged matriculants to remain disciplined and focused, saying their hard work will pay off.

Scam targeting teachers continues in Western Cape

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has renewed its warning about a scam targeting new, unemployed and substitute teachers who are being falsely promised teaching positions in exchange for payment.

The department first alerted educators to the scam in December 2025. Several schools have now reported new incidents involving fraudulent WhatsApp messages sent to teachers.

According to the WCED, scammers typically impersonate district officials or school principals and tell recipients that a permanent teaching post has become available at a particular school.

The messages may use the name and photograph of a genuine principal or official to appear legitimate. Teachers are then instructed to report to a school with certain documents or contact a supposed WCED official using contact details supplied by the scammers.

The scam ultimately involves a request for a once-off payment of about R2 800, allegedly needed to authorise an appointment letter at district offices. Banking details are provided for the payment.

The WCED says some teachers have already fallen victim, arriving at schools after paying the so-called authorisation fee, only to discover that the advertised posts do not exist.

The department warned that the scam is causing significant distress and could also damage the reputations of schools, principals and officials whose identities are being misused.

Affected individuals are urged to report the incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.

The WCED emphasised that it never charges applicants for teaching positions or appointments.

Permanent teaching vacancies are advertised through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, while the official E-Recruitment System is used to advertise and apply for posts.

Unemployed educators are required to register and apply through the system, while temporary appointments are managed directly by schools. Applicants are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any temporary position before providing information or taking further action.

The department advised educators to remember:


-Permanent teaching posts are advertised through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
-The WCED, including its Head Office, District Offices and schools, will never request payment for a job application or appointment.
-The official E-Recruitment System is the platform for advertising and applying for posts.
-No payment is required for any WCED appointment.
-Suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the WCED and SAPS.

The WCED said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its recruitment processes and urged educators to remain vigilant to prevent further victims from being caught by the scam.
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