By As thousands of Grade 12 learners across Gauteng step into examination halls to write their 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s (GPL) Portfolio Committee on Education has issued a strong rallying cry for candidates to remain focused, disciplined, and confident.
Led by Chairperson Hon. Moipone Mhlongo, the Committee expressed strong optimism regarding the province’s state of readiness. This confidence follows a series of proactive oversight visits conducted by committee members to various schools across Gauteng to evaluate and assess preparations first-hand.
“We have visited various schools across the province to assess their state of readiness, and we are satisfied with the preparations made to ensure that learners are ready for their final examinations. We are confident that our matriculants have the necessary foundation to perform well,” Chairperson Mhlongo stated.
A Collective Community Effort
The GPL Portfolio Committee took the opportunity to commend a broad spectrum of educational stakeholders—including learners, educators, school principals, and school governing bodies (SGBs)—for their unwavering dedication to sustaining a robust culture of teaching and learning throughout the 2026 academic year.
According to the Committee, the collaborative environment fostered by schools, combined with active parental involvement and community ownership, lays the groundwork for academic triumph.
“We applaud our teachers and learners for remaining committed to teaching and learning, while principals and school governing bodies worked diligently to ensure that schools were properly managed,” said Mhlongo.
She added that community backing and strong partnerships will directly contribute to the 2026 matric results, expressing hope that Gauteng learners will once again elevate the province’s standards by improving upon previous pass rates.
Furthermore, the Committee extended its recognition to Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile and the provincial Department of Education. Particular praise was given to the Department and the Gauteng Provincial Government for organizing targeted examination preparation camps designed to give learners extra support during their final stretch of revisions.
A Defining Moment for Youth
Addressing the matriculants directly, Chairperson Mhlongo framed the examinations as a critical, life-defining milestone. She challenged learners to completely prioritize their academic commitments and steer clear of any potential distractions during this high-stakes period.
- Dedication and Discipline: Learners are encouraged to pour their time and energy into their studies, approaching each paper with unwavering self-belief.
- Long-Term Vision: The Committee reminded candidates that the opportunities awaiting them in higher education, employment, and personal advancement are tied directly to the effort they put in today.
- Inspirational Legacy: Invoking the timeless words of former President Nelson Mandela, Mhlongo reminded students that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” framing exams as a stepping stone toward societal transformation.
Safeguarding the Examination Process
Beyond motivating learners, the GPL Portfolio Committee outlined essential responsibilities for the broader community and state structures to ensure a seamless examination cycle:
- Support Systems: Parents, families, friends, and educators are urged to wrap learners in comprehensive emotional, practical, and academic backing to alleviate exam-related stress.
- Enhanced Security: To protect the integrity and credibility of the NSC assessments, the Committee has called upon the Department of Education to tighten security measures across all examination centres in the province, guaranteeing a safe, orderly, and fair writing environment.
As the 2026 matric examinations gather momentum, the overarching message from the Gauteng Legislature remains one of belief and encouragement: “Remain focused, trust in your preparation and give every paper your best effort. Your hard work today can open doors to a brighter tomorrow.”
