“No shortcuts to success”: Gwarube warns matrics against cheating

With the matric countdown underway and pressure mounting, Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has reminded the Class of 2026 that success means little if it comes at the expense of honesty.

Grade 12 learners signed pledges on Friday, committing themselves to academic integrity ahead of the November/December National Senior Certificate examinations.

The voluntary National Pledge Signing Ceremony reinforces examination rules and calls on candidates to reject cheating, respect their teachers and fellow learners, and work diligently towards their goals.

Gwarube joined learners at Fezeka High School in Gugulethu today and urging the matric class to approach their final examinations with honesty and discipline.

With the first examination scheduled for 13 October and the final paper set for 26 November 2026, Gwarube says the department’s vision extends beyond producing learners who simply pass. It wants to develop principled, ethical young people who can contribute to building a better South Africa and Africa.

The minister says signing the pledge is a solemn commitment to ensuring that dishonesty, cheating and misconduct do not define a learner’s matric journey.

“When a candidate puts their name on the pledge, they are saying that success will be earned through effort, not through shortcuts or deceit. The NSC examination represents the hopes and aspirations of South African learners; it is a gateway to further education, skills development, and an opportunity for learners to gain access to the economy and live lives of dignity. The NSC examinations are not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter, let’s make it a good and honest chapter,” said Gwarube.

The department is also preparing to update the country on its readiness for the examinations, with Gwarube expected to make an official announcement on Sunday.

“On Sunday this week, I’ll be making an announcement on the state of readiness across the country.”

But for learners tempted to take shortcuts, the minister’s warning is clear: cheating could cost them far more than marks.

Gwarube says learners found guilty of examination misconduct could be barred from rewriting their papers or accessing their matric results for at least two years.

She also warns that allegations of cheating can lead to lengthy legal battles, with consequences that extend well beyond the examination period.

“We’ve also seen, in some instances, where the court becomes involved. We’ve recently seen a court judgment in Limpopo where some learners have been vindicated. But the truth of the matter is that if you are suspected of cheating, then that becomes a protracted legal battle that becomes part of your record. We saw a similar thing in Mpumalanga and that’s why I am saying to our learners that they need to prepare and don’t engage in group cheating,” said Gwarube.

Beyond the fight against examination malpractice, the minister says she is hopeful that the Class of 2026 will deliver strong results, particularly in Mathematics and Science, with many learners securing bachelor’s passes.

The department is also tightening examination security by installing cameras and vetting educators in a bid to prevent a repeat of previous breaches involving both learners and education officials.

Gwarube says educators must be held to the same standards of integrity expected of the learners they teach.

“We are installing cameras and making sure that educators are also vetted to ensure that we prevent more cases of cheating by learners and educators from happening again. What has been a big focus of mine against that previous breach is how do make sure that this doesn’t happen again, especially when it comes from our very own employees? That was deeply disappointing because we are meant to be upholding ourselves to the highest standards, and so for us to be the ones to breach the very code of conduct that we expect from our learners is incredibly disappointing.”

As the final countdown to the examinations begins, the message to the Class of 2026 is simple: prepare thoroughly, play fair and let hard work – not dishonesty – write your success story.

Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has urged learners to approach the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations with integrity, discipline and a commitment to excellence during the NSC Pledge Signing.

Reflecting on her own educational journey, the Minister encouraged learners to take ownership of their futures by studying diligently and making choices that open doors to opportunities beyond school. She emphasised that the examinations mark an important transition into adulthood and the next chapter of their lives.

The Minister further reminded learners that academic dishonesty, including bringing cellphones or crib notes into examination rooms, carries serious consequences that can affect their future opportunities. Through signing the pledge, learners commit themselves to honesty, accountability and giving their best throughout the examination period.

As the Class of 2026 prepares for this important milestone, the message is clear: success is built on hard work, integrity and the determination to become the best version of oneself.

#ClassOf2026 #NSCExaminations #IntegrityInEducation #GovZAUpdates

— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) October 9, 2026

Written by: Odirile Rabalao