Picture: Grade 12 learners during NSC examinations
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 October 2026 – The North West Department of Education is pleased to announce that the province is ready to administer the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The department said examinations will commence on 13 October 2026 with the practical component of Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1.
The acting North West MEC for Education, Kenetswe Mosenogi said a total of 52 200 candidates have registered for the NSC examinations with 3760 part-time learners and 48 440 full-time learners. Mosenogi said this represents an increase of 3341 candidates compared with the 2025 enrolment.
“Furthermore, the department has prepared examination centers, deployed personnel and coordinated other essential arrangements to support the examinations with smooth and credible administration.
“The North West Department of Education wishes all candidates well as they prepare to write their final examinations and encourages them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed throughout the examination period,” she said.
Mosenogi further said she wishes good luck to all learners who will be writing their final examinations. She added that on behalf of the entire department, she wishes good luck to the learners who will be writing their final examinations, especially the Grade 12 learners.
“As the department, we have supported learners throughout the year with various interventions like autumn, winter, spring and incubation camps and many other extra classes. Many schools will be hosting incubation camps across the province and we request learners to obey their teachers.
“We do not want to get reports wherein learners violate their Code of conduct during the camps. I am confident that this 2026 cohort will take us to a higher position away from our usual position four. Once more our province is ready for the final examinations,” said Mosenogi.
She said the department further calls on parents, teachers, communities, and all education stakeholders to support learners during this important period and create an environment conducive to studying and academic success.
