The Minister of Basic Education, Sivive Gwarube, issued a stern warning against cheating in examinations as the Class of 2026 prepares for their final exams. Meanwhile, nearly one million Grade 12 students across South Africa signed an oath pledging to take the exams honestly and fairly.
The national ceremony for signing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Oath took place simultaneously on Friday at 10 am in public schools across all nine provinces, just days before the commencement of the final assessments. Independent schools participating in the state NSC examinations were also strongly encouraged to join this initiative aimed at preserving the credibility of the country's qualifications.
Gwarube emphasized that this oath is more than just a symbolic event, noting that students are responsible for protecting the integrity of their certificates by rejecting any form of dishonesty during exams. She stated: 'There are no shortcuts to success. A mobile phone hidden in a pocket is not preparation. Leaking an exam paper is not intelligence. Copying another student's work is not an achievement. The National Certificate must remain a qualification that South Africans can trust because it was earned honestly.'
Zero tolerance for cheating and leaks
The Minister reiterated that the Department of Basic Education will not tolerate violations of examination procedures, including cheating, collusion, impersonation, possession of unauthorized materials or electronic devices, or any disruption during the exams. Her warning came amid the department's intensified preparations for the 2026 final exams, scheduled to begin on October 13th and conclude on November 26th.
Students were instructed to immediately report any suspicions of malpractice, especially regarding unwritten examination papers. Such information must be brought to the attention of a teacher or school principal to prevent potential security breaches. Gwarube also urged students not to succumb to pressure to engage in dishonest practices, encouraging those experiencing anxiety or facing difficulties in preparation to seek help from teachers and schools. The Minister added: 'Impilo ayakhiwa ngobuqhetseba. Yakhiwa ngokusebenza nzima, ngokuzimisela nangentembeki,' stressing that success is achieved through hard work, determination, and honesty, not deceit.'
Nearly one million graduates pledge to take exams honestly
The signing of the oath marked the official commitment by Grade 12 students nationwide to adhere to the principles of honesty, integrity, discipline, and responsibility ahead of the upcoming examinations. Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Regina Mkhaule, joined MEC Gauteng, Mayle, at Riverside High School, where they signed the oath alongside the graduates.
Mkhaule stressed that this commitment goes beyond merely following exam rules; it also concerns personal accountability and safeguarding the value of academic achievement. She noted: 'Today our students are promising not only to the examination system but also to themselves and the future they are building. The true value of the National Certificate lies in the knowledge, discipline, and honesty behind every result.'
She continued: 'We want every student to succeed, but that success must be earned honestly. As a nation, it is our duty to support the Class of 2026 with encouragement, guidance, and an environment that allows them to give their best.'
Responsibilities of teachers and invigilators
The Department of Basic Education emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the final examinations is not solely the responsibility of the students. Teachers, invigilators, and examination staff are obliged to strictly adhere to established examination rules to ensure fair and compliant grading. Parents and the public were also called upon to support graduates during the examination period while reinforcing the importance of achieving results through honest effort.
According to departmental data, the nationwide oath signing is part of broader preparations conducted in collaboration with provincial education departments to ensure candidates understand the rules, examination procedures, and their responsibilities before entering the examination halls. This initiative aims to strengthen accountability across the entire examination system and protect public trust in the NSC qualification.
Gwarube urges Class of 2026 to trust their preparation
As the exams are only a few days away, Gwarube urged graduates to maintain focus, discipline, and confidence in the work they have done throughout the academic year. She advised students to approach the final exams without resorting to dishonest methods that could jeopardize their academic future. Gwarube concluded: 'You worked for this moment. Trust yourself. Trust your preparation. Trust the work you have done over the year. When you enter the examination hall, enter with your preparation, your knowledge, and your honesty. Nothing more is required.'
The NSC 2026 exams will run from October 13th to November 26th, and the department calls on all candidates to uphold the commitments made during the oath-signing ceremony on Friday.