Matric candidates gear up for final tests: MEC Maynier's message ahead of NSC exams
Western Cape matric candidates prepare for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams, which begin on October 21.
Image: Supplied
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier has extended his best wishes to the province’s matric candidates ahead of the start of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
“The matric exams begin on Tuesday, and we wish our Western Cape candidates the very best for the exam period ahead,” Maynier said.
“We offer a special vote of thanks to our matric teachers, who are tasked with rounding out a child’s schooling and bringing more than a decade of investment in our learners to fruition. Our teachers have done an incredible job in supporting our candidates and helping to prepare them for the challenge ahead.
“Their efforts will continue to pay dividends long after our learners complete their exams. Behind every dream realised is a teacher who believed.
“We also thank our matric parents for all the support, care, and love that they have provided to our learners throughout their school years.
“We appeal to everyone in the Western Cape to support our matrics and to avoid any disruptions at or near schools during this crucial period. We need to put the interests of our children first and not do anything to compromise their ability to achieve their goals.
“To our matric candidates: Thank you for making use of the support offered to you, by attending extra classes and using the revision materials provided. Sticking to a schedule, getting enough sleep, and practicing healthy eating habits will help put you in the right mindset to do your best.
“This is your time to shine. You have worked so hard over the past 12 years, and all that remains is for you to keep your head down and focus for the next month. We are incredibly proud of you and we believe in you, so we look forward to celebrating some excellent results in January.”
This year, 77 442 candidates in the Western Cape will sit for the NSC examinations. Of these, 67 606 are full-time matriculants, while 9 836 are part-time or repeat candidates, representing an increase of 3 231 full-time candidates compared with 2024.
Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier.
Image: WCED/Supplied
The exams begin on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, with 12 736 candidates taking the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Practical exam in the morning. By the time the examination period concludes on 26 November 2025, a total of 112 exam papers will have been written.
Mathematical Literacy remains the most popular subject, with 53 206 candidates writing Paper 1 on Friday, 31 October, and Paper 2 on Monday, 3 November. At the other end of the spectrum, Sesotho First Additional Language and Setswana Home Language each have only a single candidate in the province.
Administering the exams is a complex logistical task. Candidates will write at 473 exam centres under the supervision of 2 046 trained invigilators. Marking will commence in early December, with 4 190 markers responsible for assessing a total of 954 000 examination scripts. The national Minister of Education is expected to announce the national and provincial pass rates on Monday, 12 January 2026, with individual results released the following day.