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Matric exams pause for 3 days around local elections

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

Umalusi changed the National Senior Certificate timetable so no papers are written from 3 to 5 November 2026. The break covers the Local Government Elections on Wednesday 4 November. Exams resume on Friday 6 November.

Umalusi, the council that oversees the matric exams, said the change aims to limit election-related disruption. It named political gatherings and community protests as the main risks. Monday 9 November is also a day with no exams.

Umalusi Chief Executive Officer Mafu Rakometsi said election-related political activities may affect exam operations. The exams started on Tuesday 13 October 2026.

Rakometsi said: "Umalusi urges all stakeholders, including political and community leaders, principals, teachers and parents, to minimise the disruption caused by political activities".

Key facts

Who
Mafu Rakometsi (Umalusi Chief Executive Officer); Umalusi (council overseeing the NSC examinations)
What
Umalusi has amended the National Senior Certificate examination timetable so exams break from 3 to 5 November, around the Local Government Elections on Wednesday 4 November, to minimise election-related disruptions such as political gatherings and community protests. Monday 9 November is also a non-examination day.
When
29 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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