Mpumalanga targets 91% pass rate in the 2026 matric exam

By Kopano Dibakwane

Mpumalanga MEC for Education led the official signing of the Pledge of Good Conduct on Friday 9 October 2026 at Khunjuliwe Secondary School in the Lekwa Local Municipality.

The Pledge is reportedly a tradition observed nationwide ahead of the start of final exams on 13 October.

According to the Department of Education, 85,530 candidates have registered for the NSC final examination in the 588 examination centers across Mpumalanga, and it is the largest number recorded in the province’s history.

The Department furthermore revealed that it is targeting a 91% pass rate, building up from the 86.55% achieved in 2025.

Mpumalanga reportedly enters the 2026 examination season boasting an enviable track record with 16 consecutive years of incident-free NSC examinations, completely free of question-paper leaks.

MEC Masina highlighted that the pledge represents far more than a routine ceremony as it is a binding promise made by learners to themselves, their families, and the nation.

“When you sign this pledge, you commit to giving these examinations your very best, remaining focused, respecting the rules and conducting yourselves with discipline. You are affirming that your results must be a true reflection of your own knowledge, preparation, determination and hard work,” said the MEC.

She cautioned learners to refrain from any form of examination irregularity, including cheating, possessing unauthorised materials or using electronic devices unlawfully.

Masina encouraged candidates to report any wrongdoing that could compromise the credibility and fairness of the examinations.

“We want you to succeed, but we want you to succeed honestly. There can be no meaningful victory in a qualification obtained through cheating, and there can be no pride in a mark that does not belong to you. Protecting the integrity of these examinations is a responsibility we must all take seriously,” said Masina.

She reminded the learners that their backgrounds, whether in rural communities, townships or small towns, should never limit their dreams or determine their destiny.

“You can come from Lekwa and compete with the best nationally and globally. You can come from a family that has never produced a graduate and become the first. Your background must never become a ceiling on your future,” she said.

In her words of encouragement towards the learners, she said they must approach the examinations with confidence, resilience and a positive mindset.

“Do not enter the examination room already defeated. You have worked towards this moment for twelve years. Believe in yourselves, manage your time wisely, remain calm when confronted by difficult questions and never allow one challenging paper to undermine your confidence in the next,” she said.

Parents and guardians were urged by the MEC to support the learners by being encouraging without exerting unnecessary pressure on them.