Matric exams in Gauteng, WC see smooth start

By: Mongezi Koko and Carlo Petersen

Gauteng’s matric exams have begun without any major hiccups, as thousands of learners sat for the first paper of the 2025 national senior certificate.

Just under 17,000 candidates wrote the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) practical on Tuesday, with only four centres reporting minor power issues.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane said all challenges experienced today were quickly managed thanks to backup generators and solar power to ensure no learner was disadvantaged.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona: “MEC is encouraged by the level of preparedness and the commitment displayed by the officials across our exam centres, we did indicate that our teams acted swiftly where challenges arose.”

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department said the 2025 matric examinations also got off to a good start also with the CAT assessment.

More than 77,000 candidates are taking part in the National Senior Certificate exams in the Western Cape this year.

Kerry Mauchline, the spokesperson for Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier said things went smoothly.

“We thank all of our officials and schools for the work that they have done to prepare for the exams and ensure that the session runs smoothly."

Nationwide matric exams will run until early December, and results are expected to be released in January next year.